On January 27, A Universal History of Infamy: Those of This America will open to the public at Charles White Elementary School. Curated by artist and educator Vincent Ramos (BFA Fine Arts '02), the exhibition displays works by contemporary Latino artists, writers, and activists exploring loss, resilience, and the political potential of poetic expression alongside several pieces from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's (LACMA) collection.
In this timely exhibition, Ramos highlights the use of art as a powerful form of resistance. As part of the multisite project A Universal History of Infamy, the exhibition is on view at the museum's satellite gallery within Charles White Elementary School. Named after artist Charles White (1918–1979), who taught at Otis College for many years, the school is located on the college's former campus in MacArthur Park.
Attendees gather for a press conference at LACMA's newly re-opened gallery at Charles White Elementary School. Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
The artists included in the show represent different eras and cultural voices, from Native American artists, like the late Fritz Scholder, to contemporary performance artist Raul Baltazar (MFA Public Practice '13). "All of the artists, regardless of their specific cultural background, have been fearless in their approach to commenting on their respective times. That is ultimately where their connectivity lies,” said Ramos.
Programming for the exhibition will include guided tours, hands-on artmaking for families, as well as conversations with artists and activists, stay tuned to LACMA's website for more information.
Top image: Detail from Hector Garcia, Niño en el vientre de concreto, Mexico, 1952, gelatin silver print, 13 1/2 × 10 1/16 in., Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Purchased with funds provided by the Ralph M. Parsons Fund, and Susan Steinhauser and Daniel Greenberg, © Fundación María y Héctor García, digital image © Museum Associates/LACMA