Pistolitas de Azucar: Cultura, Pop, and Whimsy: A New Exhibition Opens May 11, 2007

Pistolitas de Azucar: Cultura, Pop, and Whimsy - A New Exhibition

Opening Reception: Friday, May 11, 2007 - 7 PM (DJ Chango)
Exhibition Dates: May 11 - June 30
Artist Talk: Saturday, June 16 - 2 p.m.
Bazaar Benefit for Balazo Gallery - Saturday, June 2, 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Pistolitas de Azucar: Cultura, Pop, and Whimsy is a multimedia exhibition featuring nine artists who tinker with various perceptions of pop-culture and play with the whimsical magic of everyday. Iconic imagery and visual anecdotes of life in Mexico and California are layered and interwoven, all at once bringing to light a cultural hybridity that is ephemeral while everchanging, and grounded in a rich, multilayered, historical background.

Much of the imagery in Pistolitas de Azucar is inspired by the artists' relationship with their surroundings. Images of mambo kings and lucha libre wrestlers are coupled with perversely intriguing works inspired by sexy Mexican foto-novelas and political imagery taken from children's books. In some of the pieces, such as the elaborate collage work of Monica Canilao, found-objects are the primary source of inspiration. Others, such as the video work of Juan Luna Avin and Angelica Muro, use memories of 80's Mexican pop culture for their experimental music video. While varying in both medium and form, the works included in Pistolitas de Azucar reflect an intersection of cultural trends and individual identities.

Along with several other works, Pistolitas de Azucar features an installation by Armando Lerma and Carlos Ramirez of the Date Farmers. Their strikingly bold and gritty work is often produced on discarded signs and highly influenced by the roots of California culture. Mexican poster art, religious icons, and the lowrider culture all play a major role in their works. Also on display are several wooden sculptures produced by the Date Farmers in collaboration with renown Oaxacan woodcarvers, Margarito Melchor and his son.

About Galeria de la Raza:
Galeria de la Raza's mission is to assertively self-define the evolving values, aesthetics, and history of Latino art and culture. Galeria supports Latino artists in the visual, literary, media and performing art fields whose works explore new aesthetic possibilities for socially engaged art.

Free.

Official Website: http://www.galeriadelaraza.org