Renaissance & Rebellion - Flipbook - Page 76
a platform and the California Locos as they are now known began. Their logo,
designed a year later by Tourjé, utilized Van Hamersveld’s interpretation of the
word “CALIFORNIA” and Bojórquez’s interpretation of “LOCOS,” effectively
merging L.A.’s Eastside and Westside cultures. Not “street artists,” but rather
fine artists with deep ties to the street, they instantly connected their strengths,
moving forward ever since while quickly amassing a powerful body of exhibitions
reflecting their collective statement.
Opposite:
Locos plus, Eastern Projects, 2017.
L-R: Chaz Bojórquez, Dave Tourjé,
Mister Cartoon, OG Slick, Norton Wisdom,
Gary Wong, John Van Hamersveld,
Robert Williams and Nano Nóbrega
The rise of Los Angeles as a major art center was a long and arduous
journey. As the city continues to evolve in the 21st century, so do the
California Locos. Building on the accomplishments of their pioneering
predecessors who forged the path for the “birth of now” in L.A. art, the
California Locos together and separately continue to ride the wave of rebellion
and push those boundaries further. Pulling from their experiences of being
raised in the lively and diverse neighborhoods of postmodern Los Angeles,
the California Locos continue to create their innovative and relevant works of
art that reflect the many faces of their native city. More like a “band” than an
art group, the Locos fell together as they organically did to make their points
together in art and culture, having lived it their entire lives.
The question now is where it might go in the future, which appears
full of possibilities.
The Locos’ multidisciplined, multicultural “art for the people” approach
has found international resonance where L.A. subculture is widely appreciated
—Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, China, Australia and others. Being more of
a movement of ideas and attitude than artworld formality, the Locos now
contemplate collaborations across skate and artworld genres with their full
potential yet to be determined.
With decades of success behind them and as a reimagined L.A. Cool
School, they offer another stop on L.A.’s long, chaotic and illustrious art
historical continuum.
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LOCOS
RENAISSANCE
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REBELLION
