Checking Out :botánica: A Special Art Show in LA
You know how art can be like a time-traveling storybook? Well, in the middle of Los Angeles, at a place called UNREPD gallery, an artist named Moncho 1929, also known as Dan Monteavaro, has put together a super cool art show called :botánica. You can see this art adventure until December 17, and it’s like a colorful snapshot of the Latinx vibes in LA and all around California, the southwest, and places close to the Gulf of Mexico.
Moncho 1929 Finding the Latinx Beat: What’s a Botánica?
Picture a botánica like a special hangout where healing happens. They usually sell plant stuff that connects regular medicine with Indigenous spiritual ideas. Moncho 1929 dives into this idea in 19 new paintings, adding layers to this cool cultural mix. The art show is like a peek into the diverse Latinx cultures that are a big part of American places.
Moncho 1929 and Tarot Cards, but Make it Fun: Giant Paintings
Moncho 1929’s paintings are huge and look like tarot cards, you know, those cards that tell the future. But these cards are not like the usual ones; they show everyday things and scenes from Boyle Heights. Even though tarot is often seen as a girly thing, this art show has a strong guy vibe, giving a fresh take on today’s questions and challenges.
Mixing it Up: Half-People, Half-Animals, Half-Machines
Imagine paintings where people are mixed with animals or machines. Sounds wild, right? Moncho 1929 did just that! You might see a guy’s top chilling while his legs are like a horse running fast. Or check out three people sitting cool, but their bottom halves are like a scooter with two riders—one white hand, one black hand. It’s like a cool mash-up of different ideas and cultures throughout time.
A Journey into LA’s Cool Mix of Cultures
Now, the gallery where these awesome paintings live, UNREPD, adds even more to the story. It’s near the LA Courthouse, across from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and close to a pop-up show about Jean Michel Basquiat. This place is like a meeting point for different cultures and ideas. UNREPD, run by two cool ladies, shines a spotlight on artists who aren’t usually in the fancy art world, showing the mix of cultures in LA’s art scene.
UNREPD’s Big Heart for Everyone
The people who started UNREPD, Tricia Benitez Beanum and Sarah Mantilla Griffin, believe in including everyone’s point of view. They think having lots of perspectives makes art and understanding people way cooler. They also say beauty comes in all shapes and forms, and sharing art experiences together in the community is super important.
Diving into Latinx Vibes: What’s Missing?
Even though this art show is full of Latinx awesomeness, there’s one thing missing—a 3D installation or altar. Imagine a cool centerpiece where everyone can gather and connect with their ancestors. It would be like a hub for good vibes, making you wonder about the old ways of showing art.
So, in the end, Moncho 1929’s :botánica is like a colorful dive into the Latinx heart of LA. With these fun tarot-inspired paintings, the show is like an invitation to explore different cultures, histories, and ideas. It shakes up the usual art scene and brings everyone together for a shared experience in the world of cool art.
