Public Art in East LA : Mia Alfaro

Public Art of East LA: Mia Alfaro 

The Site:  East Los Angeles 

    I chose the city of East LA because it is my hometown, and the reason I chose my minor in Chicano Studies. East LA has so much public art within the city. Heavily based on Chicano culture/Mexican culture. East LA and the public art within it have influenced who I am today. 

Field Work:  

       

3 examples of murals around East LA. Clearly targeting the audience of the Mexican American culture/ Chicanos. 

1.  "We Believe in You", done by Chicano muralist and teacher Paul Botello, was created in 2022

size: 50x50 

Location: Estenban E. Torees High School, 4211 Dozier St, Los Angeles, CA 90063

visual celebration of "education, community empowerment, and social justice." 

Materials: acrylic paint onto stucco surfaces 

I personally love this mural, especially due to the location/ placement. I say this because this area is unfortunately a low-income area, somewhere I used to stay. This area isn't the safest, and from experience, they assunption of you not making it too far or the assumption that you aren't a good kid is high. But to have this mural here with the words "We Believe in You" is shutting down the negative thoughts and giving not just the kids but the people in the community encouragement. A reminder that we can do anything we put our minds to and not let the negative words shut us down from reaching our goals. 

2. Done by street artist Mark Worst. Done in August 2023.

Location:  Alma Avenue East LA on the side of Sky's the Limit skate shop, 3925 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

"The mural's meaning is found in its visual language rather than a specific political or historical message." 

Materials: Spray paint 

I liked this piece because of the fact that the artist really leaves it up to you to interpret what it means. As well as putting a modern twist on it, as well with a sort of Sci-Fi feel. 

3. "Mexico-Tenochtitlan: A Sequence of Time and Culture," also known as "The Wall That Talks." 

Done by: Andy Lesdesma, Anthony "Eagle" Ortega,  John "Zender" Estrada, Rafael Corona, Jaime Ochoa, Dominic Ochoa, Isabel Martinez, Oscar De Leon, Mario Manica, and Jesse Silva 

Location: 6029-6039 N.Figueroa Street (at Avenue 61) in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA

size: 100-foot-long mural 

"Featuring diverse cultural iconography."

I thought this mural was so breathtaking. It makes you think and takes you back to your roots, which I loved. The symbols to the icons and even the colors that were used were absolutely beautiful and executed perfectly. The feeling of empowerment and representation you get from this mural is amazing. 

Asking Family Members: 

    When asking my family members who have lived over here for many years, who these murals, as well as others, make them feel whenever they see them, they responded very positively. Saying things such as they feel empowered, a reminder of who they are culturally wise, warrior blood, growth, eveloution and, etc. I asked them why this is their response, and they said because of the fact that the art is made to make them feel seen, and by seeing the art, they understand that it's for them. I thought that was such a beautiful response. 

Critical Analysis: 

    I believe that the public art within East La is there to represent the Mexican American culture. Some works have historical figures in the Mexican American community/Chicanos. Clear represation of empowerment to the community of East La where a majority of residents are Mexcian Americans, Immigrants or Chicanos, very stong community in which we protect one another. The Murals are a reminder of the warrior blood we come from, the strong community/ culture we have, the beauty in our culture and the evolution of our culture as well. Keeping everyone in the neighborhood feels seen/ represented and to show we have a voice. We know this due to the recurring themes of the style in the art or the symbols/ icons represented in the art. 

Proposal: 

     I personally love all the art that is seen throughout East LA, whether it's historical or a take on some modern times. I love the messages sent out in them, even if they could come off a bit harsh. I love that my people know they have a voice and that their community will support them. What I do not like, however, is when young or older people decide to use graffiti on top of somones art work especcially on iconic murals that have been around forever. I don't care if it is for publicity, I think it's rude. HOWEVER in recent cases, due to the recent issues with the Caesar Chavez allegations, I do like the people taking a stand and graffiti over his face and leaving the rest of the art alone, which I agree with. All in all, I think that the public art in East LA is there to empower the community and to bring us together, especially in dark times when they want us to be against one another. I love that public art in East LA is so accessible as well; it's almost everywhere you look, which is personally my favorite. I'm not sure if I'd really change anything. That's the reason I love my city, I feel the public art has a message to the people through it.