Renaissance & Rebellion - Flipbook - Page 148
down from the status to which their admirers have elevated them. They genuinely
connect with the communities from which their identities were forged.
Perhaps nowhere else in the world of art, will you see such accomplished
individuals expressing as much humility and gratitude, or giving as much
acknowledgement to their influences. I can’t think of anywhere else you’re as likely
to observe a web of world-renowned figures taking the time to show up, talk with
the people, sign autographs, pose for photos, and give back – as you will among
the Locos. They not only tap into their Muse from the lifeblood of LA, but they
know this same blood flows through us all.
The reason such a large crowd turned out (the line was over half a mile and
lasted almost the entire period of the opening), and were excited to engage, is
because these enthusiasts – of the many neighborhoods and backgrounds of
Los Angeles – sense that they are somehow standing on equal ground amongst
the Locos. They’re respected by the artists just as they look up to them. The
inspiration moves both ways. “Somos/We Are.”
The Locos dedicated the Eastern Projects Gallery show to Greg Escalante, “the
world class gallerist, surfer, publisher, champion of artists, and progenitor of our
SoCal culture.” There was a beautiful altar set up for Greg. I’m sure he would’ve
been extremely proud of what played out throughout the evening, and that he will
always remain very much amongst us.
In my previous interview with the original five Locos, I was struck by the power of
their collective work as being its embodiment of southern California’s unique DNA.
Their diverse, freedom-loving, cutting edge visuals wind many intensely colorful
histories into one strand in this region. But it didn’t strike me until last night’s opening:
this is only half the reason the Locos have achieved such outstanding success.
The second half is even more important than the first. The keys to why this
band of creators has earned such recognition and popularity, are not only their
artistic eyes, soulful concepts, dynamic designs and unsurpassed craftsmanship.
It’s not only that they speak in visual and verbal languages that bridge the gap
between the art world and the general population – languages accessible whether
you’re educated as an artist or not. As significant as it is, it’s not purely the fact
that they’re ‘Amplifying the Voice’ of the Zeitgiest, the Spirit of our times. What
makes the California Locos transcend the art world, is their very desire to come
CALIFORNIA 290
LOCOS
The California Locos are both gifted and hardworking people who, despite the
acclaim they have reached, have retained and grown in their understanding of and
love for humanity. Their feeling of interconnectedness. It permeates their work as
well as their characters. If there’s such thing as art of the highest caliber that’s also
“for the people,” this is it.
This was particularly exemplified by the work of Mister Cartoon with his 1958
Impala and Dave Tourjé with his 1962 Nova, that included original artwork by all of
the Locos. These two have taken as canvases the widely beloved and customized classic
and lowrider cars that southern California and L.A. are so known for. The car – even
more than tattoo work and graffiti art – is something just about every single one of us
has had a close personal relationship with in our everyday life. Many of us also have
feelings of nostalgia around such older cars, which have been valued possessions in
families for generations. Cars are functional art that we grew up next to and inside of.
They have anthropomorphic characteristics and personalities. As a car lover myself, I
feel these machines have souls of their own! Artwork as automobile is something that
practically everyone can feel emotionally connected with.
So what really makes the California Locos Masters? It’s not as much their stylistic
movement, so relevant to our present time. The way they walk their talk makes them
role models as human beings – an offering on the alter of life – that’s timeless.
RENAISSANCE
291
REBELLION
