Zachary Grech
Staff Writer
The art department hosted an opening reception for the “Made You Look” exhibit Tuesday in the Harris Gallery. Curated by Gajin Fujita, the exhibit features artists Robert Acuña, Gregory Bojorquez, Nehemiah Cisneros, Cryptik, Alfonso Gonzalez Jr., Defer, Ruben Ochoa, Jose “Prime” Reza, Jesse Simon and Carlos “Kopy” Talavera.
All of these artists’ work was based on the theme of Los Angeles.
Show curator Gajin Fujita collaborated with fellow artist Defer on their painting called “Silver Lining.”
“The painting was related to an old samurai clan in the 12th century called the Heike Clan,” Fujita said. “There was a famous battle between these huge samurai clans and the Heike, unfortunately, were the losers that day.
“There was a famous general that plunged himself wrapping a big ship anchor around himself and eventually committed suicide by jumping in the ocean,” Fujita added.
Fujita then talked about why the crab was illustrated in the painting.
Years after the Heike general died, a crab appeared with a certain face, he said. The Heike people started saying that the dead general was reincarnated by the crab, which shows a silver lining.
Fujita’s painting shows how looking beyond the physical appearance of paintings can lead people to unimaginable stories that bring a whole new perspective.
Acuña spray painted his entire painting called “Baaaby.” Acuña used organic and playful shapes to bring his painting to life.
“The painting was based on lowriders and hot rods but I kind of put my own twist on it by incorporating more playful shapes,” Acuña said.
He also talked about how he created his painting “Baaaby.”
“The whole painting was done using a spray gun, like if you were going to paint a car, you know, so there was no brushwork on it whatsoever,” Acuña said. “Everything was just sprayed and massed out.”
The elements of art can be conveyed through many different shapes, and how the inspiration of everyday life like cars can inspire an artist’s artwork.
On the other creation of artwork, Simon who is a sculptor, created his painting called “Pagi,” which consisted of broken surfboards. Simon collected these broken surfboards which were made of foam, resin and wood. One thing that made Simon special was his inspiration as an artist.
“If I don’t make something, I feel empty and like I am not doing what I am here, and hearing the right music inspires me,” Simon said.
More than any visual art, music is Simon’s inspiration, which he aimed to bring to life through “Pagi.” Hearing the right song gets him into that creative mindset in which his best artwork comes from this inspiration.
Bojorquez is a professional photographer who presented two photographs at the Harris Gallery called “Lorena & Eagle St.” and “Murder Crime Scene” which were both photographed in 2001.
Bojorquez’s piece “Lorena & Eagle St.” was inspired by the view of Fujita’s childhood home. His other piece “Murder Crime Scene” had a tragic backstory.
“The picture was taken at Fourth Street and Concord Street, and what happened was these two brothers were in an altercation where they were both shot and they both died from their wounds,” Boroquez said.
The artist Cryptik had two pieces called “Nirvana” and “Shangri-La”. Both of these pieces were done by clay relief and acrylic on wood panels.
When Cryptik was asked what advice he would give for the next generation.
“Do what you love, do what you’re good at, and do the things that inspire you.” Cryptik said.
Throughout the art exhibit, all of these artists shared one thing in common. It was the ability to spread positivity in the world and the passion that drives them to keep on continuing their artwork.
Zachary Grech can be reached at zachary.grech@laverne.edu.
Zachary Grech is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations, and is a staff writer for the Campus Times. He is also the sports broadcaster for La Verne Athletics, ULV Choral Organization president and LeoFM promotions director.
Ethan Anderson is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations. He is the LV Life editor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times, and a staff writer and photographer for La Verne Magazine. He has previously been a staff writer for the Campus Times. As a lifelong student-athlete, he has picked up valuable skills that he seeks to apply in his career in public relations, and ultimately make an impact.
