As a long-time admirer of urban art, I find myself utterly captivated by Alfonso Gonzalez Jr.’s latest exhibition, “This Was Here,” at Jeffrey Deitch New York. Born and raised in Los Angeles, his connection to the city is not only evident in his work but also palpable, making me feel like I’m taking a stroll down memory lane with each piece.
In his upcoming solo show at Jeffrey Deitch, Alfonso Gonzalez Jr. will transport a taste of Los Angeles to the East Coast. The collection, titled This Was Here, offers a tranquil tableau honoring the city’s inhabitants and landmarks, brought to life by the artist’s heartfelt affection for his native city.
In Gonzalez’s artwork, constructed from pictures and personal recollections, there’s an undeniable feeling of human connection despite the absence of people. He highlights the broad smiles of insurance agents and lawyers on billboards and advertisements amidst busy highway systems and traffic jams. Instead of seeing a damaged vehicle by the roadside, the artist seeks out the individual who left it behind.
Gonzalez initially delved into painting not on traditional canvases but on the walls and windows of Los Angeles. It was through the tutelage of his father, a skilled sign painter, that he honed his technical abilities and cultivated the relentless work ethic that would become hallmarks of his art. The exhibition underscores the distinctive visual symbolism associated with working-class communities and its persistence amidst swift urban transformation.
In his latest commentary, the artist emphasizes that he’s not just an observer, but a local and engaged contributor to the art form and subculture. He explains how his personal background influences his exploration of the graffiti and layers produced by the community that contribute to a city’s look. The objective is to preserve and record a specific moment in time, characterized by sudden and significant transformation.
This Was Here will be on view in New York through January 18, 2025
Jeffrey Deitch New York
18 Wooster Street,
New York, NY 10013
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jeffrey Deitch (@jeffreydeitchgallery)
Read More
- EUR INR PREDICTION
- BICO PREDICTION. BICO cryptocurrency
- DEXE PREDICTION. DEXE cryptocurrency
- ZIG PREDICTION. ZIG cryptocurrency
- Shilpa Shetty’s Mumbai restaurant under radar after BMW car worth Rs 80 lakh gets stolen from parking; REPORT
- NBC’s New Thriller Starring Manifest, La Brea Stars Sets Premiere Date: Details
- PSP/USD
- ‘Anyone And Everyone Is Welcome’: Melissa Rauch Talks Upcoming Big Bang Theory Reunions Ahead of Mayim Bialik’s Arrival On Night Court
- FORT PREDICTION. FORT cryptocurrency
- Is Red One a Box-Office Success?
2024-11-13 22:25