Civic Engagement Project - Boyle Heights

Public Art in Boyle Heights

 Ray Padron - Civic Engagement Project

Phase 1: The Site
For the site of the civic engagement project, I chose the neighborhood of Boyle Heights. It is a major center for the Mexican-American culture and is home to many murals that depict the Chicano movement. The murals in this neighborhood depict many things and utilize different art styles to do so. I grew up in Boyle Heights and feel very connected to my community. I am always glad to take some time to look at the great pieces of art that is made every day, as well as reflect on the pieces of art that have withstood many years. The art in this neighborhood reflect the community and culture that takes place in Boyle Heights.


Phase 2: Field Work



Location: 1841 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Artist: Sergio D. Robleto
Inscriptions: @SERGILETO
Materials: Acrylic paint on stucco
Sponsor: Street Tacos and Grill Business Owner
Represented: Indigenous/Aztec Figures







Location: 1703 Mariachi Plaza de Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Artist: Juan Solis
Inscription: "Mariachi Plaza - El Corrido de Ricardo Valdez 1994"
Materials: Acrylic on stucco
Represented: Man and woman in traditional clothing 
Sponsor: City of Los Angeles





    Location: First Street Pool & Billiard, 1906 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
    Artist: Sergio D. Robleto
    Inscription: "Orale Lets Cruise on Over To Progression, AYE!"
    Sponsor: First Street Pool & Billiard business owners
    Represented: East Los Streetscapers Pioneers 


 

    Location: 1900 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
    Artist: Hector “Tetris” Arias
    Inscription: "Boyle Heights" and "@TETRISWAI 2023"
    Represented: Jorge Negrete and Pedro Infante



Phase 3: Critical Analysis

The art in Boyle Heights is dynamic and displays the memory and power surrounding the Chicano/Mexican-American experience. The representation shown in the art pieces featured dives into the great cultural icons like Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete as shown in mural 4 as well as ancestral figures shown in mural 1. The art is used as a message towards threats to community and culture as well, this was seen in mural 3 with "Orale! Let's Cruise" where a local business was able to utilize a wall to speak on the community's feeling towards progressivism. This push for dialogue about where priorities should be is becoming neglected however, and this is very well represented with mural 2 where gang-related graffiti is overtaking works of art like "El Corrido de Ricardo Valdez".

Phase 4: Proposal

What I appreciate most about the art in my neighborhood is how reflective it is of the Mexican community and culture. This is mainly possible because of the ability for local artists to engage and put out their work into their own communities. Going forward, I'd love to see more cultural icons and cultural values being shared in the way that Hector Arias depicted Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete. Something that I think that I think that has been an issue and needs more addressing is the presence of gangs and gang related graffiti that overtakes works of art in the community. Although I am a believer that things should be replaced and our art should represented our change into the future, so much graffiti is ruining the art that has a historic place in the community. An idea for a proposal could be more funding for restorative programs/projects as well as a push for more local artists to be sponsored in doing work in the community. 

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