El Arte
May 3 – November 9, 2008

The lowrider car has been enthusiastically celebrated in the works of many Los Angeles based Chicano artists, including Magu, Mister Cartoon, and OG Abel.  Magu, who combines Mexican folk art traditions with fine art, recognized early on the aesthetic and artistic value of the lowrider car. Mister Cartoon and OG Abel celebrate the imagery of the urban lowrider lifestyle through the use of calaveras (skeletons), graffiti, tattoos, and pinup girls.  The younger generation of artists has focused on the regional perspective of lowriding.  El Moises blends Chicano, American, Native American and Mexican artistic traditions to depict the lowrider lifestyle in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona.  Shizu Saldamando, a Japanese/Chicana from San Francisco, references her everyday world through portraiture and lowrider/urban art.  Using oils and pastels, Vincent Valdez captures his daily life in San Antonio, Texas and documents important moments of Chicano history, such as the Zoot Suits Riots and Chavez Ravine redevelopment.  This art exhibit examines the diverse viewpoints of artists who visualize and celebrate the lowrider car and lowrider lifestyle.

El Moises "Carrito de Flores" acrylic on wood 2007

 

El Magu "Drive Thru Aztlan" Serigraph 1999

 

El Moises "Mi Vida Lowrider" acrylic on wood 2007