Past Events

What Would You Say?: Activist Graphics from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Reception: September 23, from 3-6pm

Since the mid-20th century, California has been a beacon of both inventive design and political activism. Exploring the intersection of these realms, this exhibition uses case studies from LACMA’s collection to demonstrate how designers and artists championed civil rights, opposed wars and injustice, and pressed for change. Skilled communicators by profession, they distilled complex issues into eye-catching images, often appropriating commercial art techniques—from newspaper broadsheets to screen prints to digital downloads—to distribute powerful imagery despite limited resources. Others led workshops and formed printing collectives, providing movements with new methods for disseminating their messages. Their works express both outrage and optimism, going beyond protest to envision alternative ways of living. Key figures and organizations including Emory Douglas of the Black Panther Party, Sheila Levrant de Bretteville of the Woman’s Building, Self Help Graphics & Art, and street artist Shepard Fairey achieved widespread acclaim and notoriety, galvanizing political movements and empowering marginalized communities.

Image credit: Michael Mabry, War = Death, 2003, digital file, dimensions variable, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, gift of the designer through Another Poster for Peace, image source: www.anotherposterforpeace.org

The Latinx Research Center is pleased to inaugurate a permanent exhibition, “Latinxs in California.” A year in the making, this interdisciplinary, collaborative project brings together the contributions of artists, faculty, emeriti, community members, and undergraduate and graduate students. The exhibition draws upon the historical expertise of scholars and the research that has informed the work of the artists included.The purpose of this exhibition is to point visually toward a broader and more complex history of California’s diverse peoples, places, and moments that might otherwise remain hidden in mainstream accounts – a history that predates the formation of the state and whose roots extend back to the Indigenous Peoples of this continent.

In the 1960s, activist Chicano artists forged a remarkable history of printmaking that remains vital today. Many artists came of age during the civil rights, labor, anti-war, feminist, and LGBTQ+ movements and channeled the period’s social activism into assertive aesthetic statements that announced a new political and cultural consciousness among people of Mexican descent in the United States. ¡Printing the Revolution!, organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, explores the rise of Chicano graphics within these early social movements and the ways in which Chicanx artists since then have advanced innovative printmaking practices attuned to social justice.

More than reflecting the need for social change, the works in this exhibition project and revise notions of Chicanx identity, spur political activism and school viewers in new understandings of U.S. and international history. By employing diverse visual and artistic modes from satire, to portraiture, appropriation, conceptualism, and politicized pop, the artists in this exhibition build an enduring and inventive graphic tradition that has yet to be fully integrated into the history of U.S. printmaking.

This exhibition is the first to unite historic civil rights era prints alongside works by contemporary printmakers, including several that embrace expanded graphics that exist beyond the paper substrate. While the dominant mode of printmaking among Chicanx artists remains screen-printing, this exhibition features works in a wide range of techniques and presentation strategies, from installation art, to public interventions, augmented reality, and shareable graphics that circulate in the digital realm. The exhibition also is the first to consider how Chicanx mentors, print centers, and networks nurtured other artists, including several who drew inspiration from the example of Chicanx printmaking.

José Guadalupe Posada’s images captured all aspects of daily life in Mexico City from 1889-1913, directly inspiring artists like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco and over one hundred years later, he continues to impact countless artists creating today’s social movement imagery.

Due to the scope of influence and timeless quality of Posada’s work he has been called prophetic and even the father of Mexican printmaking. In collaboration with Self Help Graphics & Art, over 20 artists’ work will be on display from their collection highlighting the local legacy of Posada. Artists include Fidel Solorzano, Jose Antonio Aguirre, Lalo Alcaraz, KaliArt, Rosalie Lopez*, Shizu Saldamando*, Sonia Romero*, Daniel Gonzalez*, William Acedo*, Wayne Healy*, Germs*, Gronk Nicandro*,Leo Limon*, Linda Vallejo*, Sandy Rodriguez*, Melanie Cervantes*, Diane Gamboa*, Patssi Valdez*, Artemio Rodriguez*,Ofelia Esparza* & Rosanna Esparza Ahrens* & Jaxiejax Art*, and Ester Hernandez. (*Courtesy of SHG)

This captivating exhibit will feature a wide representation of Posada’s work, including his famous Day of the Dead calaveras and the Artist’s original printings plates.

Guest Curated by Consuelo G. Flores.

Artists have been fundamental at interpreting the essence of Chicano and Mexican cultures and identities, and making them more visible. We want contemporary Chicana/no and Mexican artists whose practices have been leaving a mark in the cultural production of their communities to be part of this exhibition, for they have helped to uplift the dreams, desires, and experiences of regular people. Their artworks have helped to portray, reflect, and criticize the ills of society. Sometimes, they move from being witnesses, to active participants of the social movements emerging during their times by using their tools and talent to inspire and empower our communities. Chicano/na and Mexican artists have helped to visualize the ideas and beliefs that in one way or another get ingrained in our culture.

Sol Collective organized this virtual exhibition to complement the artist talks, and panel to highlight the work of contemporary Chicana, Chicano, Chicanx, and Mexican artists whose practices have been leaving a mark in the cultural production of their communities.
Artists have been essential to uplift the dreams, desires, and experiences of our people. They have helped to visualize the ideas and beliefs that get ingrained in our culture. Sometimes, their artworks have helped to portray, reflect, or criticize the ills of society. Other times, they have elevated significant aspects of our cultures. On occasions, they have moved from being witnesses to active participants of the social movements emerging during their times by using their tools and talent to inspire and empower our communities.

Besides highlighting the artists and their work, the project aims to address the importance of telling our own stories, owning our narrative to reflect the Chicana, Chicano, Chicanx, and Mexican experiences.
Exhibiting artists: Adriana Carranza and Alfonso Aceves (Kalli Arte Collective), Gilda Posada, Grabiel Grafica, Jesus Barraza (Dignidad Rebelde), José González, Jose Lott, Lapiztola Colectivo, Luis Campos García,
Luis-Genaro Garcia, Ruby Chacon, Stan Padilla, and Xico González.

View the virtual exhibit at https://www.artsteps.com/embed/61e8c647d408cac9672cb30c/560/315

The Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH) and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) open What Would You Say? Activist Graphics from Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the latest exhibition in the Local Access Initiative. The exhibition features key figures and organizations including Emory Douglas of the Black Panther Party, Sheila Levrant de Bretteville of the Woman’s Building, Self Help Graphics & Art, and street artist Shepard Fairey, among others. The group exhibition explores the use of graphic design to inspire socio-political change through politically charged images inviting the viewer to engage and examine the world around them. The opening reception for What Would You Say? will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibition will be on view until April 17, 2022.

Since the mid-20th century, California has been a beacon of both inventive design and political activism. Exploring the intersection of these two realms, this exhibition uses case studies from LACMA’s collection to demonstrate how designers and artists championed civil rights, opposed wars and injustice, and pressed for change. Skilled communicators by profession, they distilled complex issues into arresting images, often appropriating commercial art techniques—from newspaper broadsheets to screen prints to digital downloads—to distribute powerful imagery despite limited resources.  Others led workshops and formed printing collectives, providing movements with new methods for disseminating their messages. Their works express both outrage and optimism, going beyond protest to envision alternative ways of living.

The public is invited to participate in several programs throughout the exhibition season including the Spanish-language and sensory-friendly program supported by Art Bridges providing an inclusive experience for patrons of the museum. The museum provides sensory-friendly hours from 9 to 10 a.m. every first Saturday of the month during an exhibition season for those experiencing autism or hyper/hypo-sensitivities. A Young Artist Workshop will accompany the exhibitions, occurring every first Thursday of the month from 3 to 7 p.m.

Local Access brings special exhibitions, like What Would You Say?, drawn from LACMA’s collection to four institutions in greater Southern California: Lancaster Museum of Art and History; Riverside Art Museum; Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College; and California State University, Northridge, Art Galleries. Over the next several years, each partner will present up to three exhibitions that reframe and broaden traditional ideas about American art through sharing collections and museum resources.

MOAH remains in compliance with state and county-mandated COVID-19 prevention measures. Commonly-touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, handrails, and elevator buttons, are routinely disinfected by MOAH staff members; and the ventilation systems are well-maintained. Guests are asked to properly use face coverings or other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and maintain a six-foot social distance while inside the museum.

The Lancaster Museum of Art and History is dedicated to strengthening awareness, enhancing accessibility and igniting the appreciation of art, history, and culture in the Antelope Valley through dynamic exhibitions, innovative educational programs, creative community engagement, and a vibrant collection that celebrates the richness of the region. MOAH is open Tuesday – Friday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 p.m. For more information, please visit www.lancastermoah.org.

his art exhibition reflects on the act of collective care within nearly two years of unprecedented challenges both locally and globally.

Curated by the wonderful Cece Carpio and featuring BIPOC artists and activists from various backgrounds and mediums, the exhibition will explore visual displays of mutual aid that artists have enacted and created throughout the Bay Area. Artworks will range from traditional abstraction and figuration, to spiritual expressionism, muralism, sacred practices, and grassroots activism!

We are responding to the weight of these times of crisis with a celebratory lens, putting the magic of togetherness in the spotlight and offering inspiring representations of solidarity, care, and support that our communities have carried out as a path towards social transformation.

El Taller 99, en su labor de promover el grabado y en su especial interés en las carpetas colectivas ha realizado esta exposición que refleja el quehacer del grabado contemporáneo y el espíritu colaborativo de talleres colectivos, independientes o universitarios establecidos por grabadores latinoamericanos y españoles.

Este intercambio, organizado por MOLAA, (Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach, California), contó con la curaduría de Gabriela Martínez, Curadora de Educación de este museo y Rogelio Gutiérrez, Profesor de Grabado de Arizona State University.

El Portafolio fue expuesto en el MOLAA durante 2019 como parte de una gran muestra en torno al grabado llamada Gráfica América y en 2021, gracias a las gestiones de Rocío Rendón y Toño Nuñez, (grabadores participantes) en el Museo del Grabado ICPNA, Lima, Perú.

La iniciativa ha traído encuentros entre los múltiples grabadores participantes, conversatorios y nuevas amistades lo que fortalece el lenguaje y amplía las orientaciones del grabado frente a los desafíos de globalización y cambio paradigmático que las sociedades están enfrentando en estos tiempos de movimientos esenciales.

Agradecemos la genuina participación de cada uno de los artistas y la sensibilidad visionaria de los organizadores.

EXPOSITORES

Alan Altamirano

Taller la Chicharra, Oaxaca, MÉXICO.

Alejandro Villalbazo

Taller de Producción e Investigación Gráfica la Pintadera, Campeche, MÉXICO.

Ana María Devis

Arte Dos Gráfico, Bogotá, COLOMBIA.

Andrés Arízaga

COCOA (Colegio de Comunicación y Artes Contemporánea), Quito, ECUADOR.

Antonio Alcaraz

Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, ESPAÑA.

Carlos Barberena

Instituto Gráfico de Chicago y Bandolero Press, Chicago, USA.

Coral Revueltas

Trampa Gráfica Contemporánea, Ciudad de México, MÉXICO.

Dewey Tafoya

Self-help Graphics and Art, Los Ángeles, California, U.S.A.

Fernando de León

Espacio 1104, Chihuahua, MÉXICO.

Gabriela González

Piedra Negra (Blackstone) Press, Ciudad de México, MÉXICO.

Herson Sapone

Gráfica a Pedal, Montevideo, URUGUAY.

Humberto Saenz

Printshop University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.

Humberto Valdéz

Taller la Imagen de Rinoceronte, Ciudad de México, MÉXICO.

Isabel Cauas

Taller 99, Santiago, CHILE.

Jacob Meders

Warbird Press, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.

Jesús Barraza

Dignidad Rebelde, Oakland, California, U.S.A.

Jonathan Rebolloso

Reboprints, Austin, Texas, U.S.A.

Jorge Crespo

Taller de Estampa Bastidor Solitario, San José, COSTA RICA.

Julio César Rodríguez

Taller de Gráfica La Huella, Piedecuesta, COLOMBIA.

Liz Cohen

Arizona State University School of Lithographic art Press, Tempe, Arizona, U.S.A.

Lorena Pradal

Taller de Litografía del Museo de la Carcova “Aida Carballo” y Under Pressure Press, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA.

Melanie Cervantes

Dignidad Rebelde, Oakland, California, U.S.A.

Miriam del Saz,

Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, ESPAÑA.

Norma Morales

TAGA (Taller de Artes Gráficas), Caracas,  VENEZUELA.

Octavio Irving

Irving Studio: Gráfica Creative, Havana, CUBA.

Pepe Coronado

Coronado Print Studio, East Harlem, New York, U.S.A.

Poli Marichal

Centro para el Grabado y las Artes del Libro y Taller Poli Marichal, San Juan, PUERTO RICO.

Rocío Rendón

INKSpira, Lima, PERÚ.

Sandra Fernández

Studio Fernandez Press & Taller, Parlin, New Jersey, U.S.A.

Sergio Valencia

Taller Experimental de Gráfica Guatemala, Ciudad de Guatemala, GUATEMALA.

Toño Nuñez

INKSpira, Lima, PERÚ.

Yamilys Brito

Taller Experimental de Gráfica de La Habana, CUBA.