Supersonic 09: after silliness

After the event closed for the night we decided to keep the party going, ending up at a location by Roman's recommendation. I'm not sure if i should mention it, some in the group may not want to admit they were there. We were joined by friends Daisy and Carlos who happen to be in the neighborhood (trip considering they don't live anywhere near Hollywood). After some time supporting the dancing arts (oops) we tried to continue at a close by bar but the power was out for that block. Hunger called some of us so we hugged our goodbyes and i was lucky to end the night with my babe at Pinks Hotdogs at La Brea and Melrose. Damn those are some good dogs.

Supersonic 09: come and gone

The Los Angeles Art Fair and the MFA Supersonic has come and gone. It all ended this past Sunday with what I believe was a good amount of foot traffic for the multi day giant event. On Friday evening, after the show closed to the public, artist and guests where able to mingle amount each other and the art. Provided are some pics of this night with my friends.

Marcela and my babe (Melly). She was so nice and willing to accompany me to this event, I know these functions can be boring but there was good company and drink. Bless her heart.

These are some of the individuals that traveled from Tijuana for this special event. Marcela, Omar and Lore on the far right. Roman, next to Lore on the right side, I'm not sure where he is from. Someone mentioned Mexico City but i could be projecting. It was the first time meeting him, he was very kool and I would definitely hang with him again.

Everyone waiting in line for a taste from the bar. Very limited in selection but free is free some would say.
There was some interactive work such as this funky couch provided by one of the galleries at the art fair. This is the group climbing and conquering for a group shot. 

Artist and Supersonic participate Omar Pimienta, that is not his work behind him.

Image: Could Obama be the next Che?

As the country moves into a new era of leadership and hope with the entrance of President Obama. His image is easily found everywhere. When he was still the president elect Obama his friendly face was all over the media as they followed him to his current position. Obama's picture, before and present, can be found on T shirts, posters, car stickers, artwork, comic strips, etc.

There are very few representations of individuals which could and are world recognized. One such infamous picture of a face I believe falls into this category, the portrait of Che. Is the image of Obama becoming the next Che image? The front of Che is not only a very recognizable face but his mug has become a symbol, such as being associated with the concept of revolution. I'm sure the list is very long with the metaphors connected to Che but has this icon attachment happened with our new president?

Part of the campaign strategy is for the public to associate the candidate with a one word or positive phrase. With the hope of the country looking towards President Obama for improvement does his depiction stir up hope, change or progress? I'm sure that his features are recognized internationally however what will he be a sing of? At the moment I believe to most he does signify change but only time will tell how he will be seen in history.

Supersonic 09 set up preview

The time for the curtain to go up and reveal the artwork that will be part of the 2009 Supersonic exhibition, which is part of the Los Angeles art fair, is almost here. MFA participates were hard at work installing their work over the weekend for the big public presentation at the Los Angeles Convention Center. the following images are of the very dedicated University of California, San Diego installation team making sure their comrades and their own work is up and ready ( not all are present in the pics ). i was one of the individuals ( i was taking the pics ) setting up, drilling, problem solving, leveling, etc and stressing over the details for the perfect presentation. special thanks to Clare Parry for being our Supersonic representative and going crazy with stress making this happen.

some of the UCSD individuals seen are Glenna Jennings, Matt Coors, Kael Greco, Clare Parry, Susie Bielak and a hidden Julia.

Supersonic is back! and its here!

 After missing in action for a few years the uniting super show with multiple masters of art graduating classes of 2009 representing various university programs in the southern california area has returned. And returned with a hunger, showing up earlier in the year than its normal spring show time and combining power with the very large los angeles art fair.

The supersonic part of the mega show will take place at the los angeles convention center (the west hall, A) during the days of january 21 thru the 25. the major difference in this years exhibit for me is that i will be part of it. a sample of my work in the exhibition can be found thru the following link lovebmarks. come out and support, and view some amazing work but be prepared and bring your walking shoes cause its a big event.

Temporary unemployment

Often times we do not understand the impact of something till it affects us directly. In this case the impact of the United States economy on the everyday individual is slowly creeping into my financial reality. Now this does not mean I have been unaware of the troubles that exist and have been building. I watch the news, read the papers, scan the internet and have heard the stories of people I know having money issues or recently losing employment. Nevertheless there is still a personal layer of separation from what I have heard and what I experience.

Some of my income is provided from working the port environment of the Los Angeles Harbor. A huge import/export industry that seems not to be immune from the problems with our current economy. During this time after the holidays and the coming months it is a slow period of work for the longshoreman/woman. Not as abundant during the summer up until the holiday season but there is work. Now it seems to have come to a halt, I personally would go in to work my allowed 2 days of employment without a hiccup however no more. Our system of equal employment is divided into groups (different class levels based on seniority) which the lower groups have been troubled obtaining work, including myself. This has been the first weekend where I was not able to work one day due to the lack of jobs provided. So for this weekend I was temporarily unemployed. This is just a small example of what full time longshoreman/woman have been going through, some not getting work all week. This does not include the casual work force (part-time workers) which I hope many have a second job cause they have not received employment in some time.

To my personal experience, I can only hope that next weekend will not repeat the same pattern and I will return to my 2 day allowed work habit, yet I reflect on the economic situation, personal and larger. If a nation wide import/export industry is not safe during these times, an industry that always has things to move, who is?

New Years EVE! ON the move

Well another year has come and gone. To many it seems that New Years Eve is the moment to end off the year with a bang or start off the year on the right foot, I believe that as long as you are surrounded by friends or ones you care about your doing OK either way. This Eve the girl and I were on the move, visiting friends and family in different locations spreading love and support. This is a very cute couple I was happy running into, Paula and Dan (Daniel, Danny, depends how much alcohol is in his system). Hopefully I will get to see them more in the coming year (sounds like a new years resolution in the making).

Had to visit this girl on the EVE, Cheli and her sister. Not only is Cheli the homie and ex roommate but New Years Day is her birthday so she is baby New Year. I wish nothing but love and support to her, she will be going back to Texas as she continues her pursuit to be Doctor Cheli... Side note, notice the table on the right side of the picture. They had un chingo of alcohol. 

Nearly making it to our final location of Tijuana before the clock struck midnight we picked up some fellow homies, Carlos and la Daisy (my girl on the right). Great company and always up for an adventure, and Carlos gets funnier the more he gets buzzed not to mention that la Daisy is a great good time motivator with her random acts of micro dancing.

Group photo in the casa de la Pimienta (too many people to name), a few are missing from this shot.

Over all it was a great night fill with good conversation, laughs and the drink. I ended up losing my voice not only due to so much conversation but I struggled with an annoying cough, I think the sickness won... I would have posted more pictures but there are just too many good ones, had to edit myself down. Much love to all, hope to see you in 2009. (picture above, left to right: Gady, Marcela, me, my babe Melly and Omar)