Phase 1: The Site
The location of the artwork that I selected for this project is located near the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station. There are murals and graffiti artwork on multiple buildings in an alley near the corner of 3rd street and Laverne. There are different types of graffiti artwork on these walls. Some have been covered by other artists which can be viewed differently depending on the audience. The murals were created by an artist by the name of Honor One. He has multiple art degrees and has been taught by famous artists. He is internationally known and a part of the street art culture.
Mural of "Chico" by @honor719
Location: 5041 Repetto Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Phase 2: Field Work
The types of artwork displayed are murals and graffiti art. This artwork includes images of characters in television shows, musicians, and other displays such as names and symbols. The first piece of artwork that I will be presenting is about a television show named, "Chico and the Man."
Mural of "The Man" by @honor719
Location: 5041 Repetto Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022
"Chico and the Man," was a television show that aired in the 1970's. It was about a young Chicano man who wanted to work for a grumpy older man who was a mechanic. It was one of the first television shows that was set in a Mexican American neighborhood. Coincidentally, this artwork is placed close to a mechanic shop. The show was based on two ethnic groups, White and Mexican American. "Chico" was also a Vietnam war veteran in the show.
As you continue to walk down this alley, you will find another building that has paintings of musicians and characters from the movie, "La Bamba." This movie was based on musicians from the 1950's. Tragically, the main character and musician Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash in 1959. With him was another artist named Buddy Holly. The murals also include his girlfriend, Donna, whom he wrote a song about and his brother Bob.
Mural of Ritchie Valens and his brother Bob by @honor719
Location: 5041 Repetto Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Mural of Buddy Holly by @honor719
Location: 5041 Repetto Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Mural of Donna by @honor719
Location: 5041 Repetto Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022
These murals display musicians and people of different races. But they all played a role in Ritchie Valens' life. I enjoy these murals and this artwork, because it is about celebrating the life and music of a great musician. His triumphs over the challenges of poverty and discrimination inspires many people till this day. There is also graffiti artwork on these walls. The designs and colors are creative. There are multiple designs on both buildings, and they were done at different times. The murals were created by an artist named Honor One. He holds two art degrees and was taught by students of artists like Norman Rockwell. He has been creating art since the 1980"s.
Phase 3: Critical Analysis
There are different cultures and economic classes depicted in these murals and graffiti art. "Chico and the Man," represents two different economic and racial groups. As you can see in the first image, the artist wanted to represent the city of East Los Angeles. The show was scripted to have a Mexican American neighborhood. I believe the location of this mural is perfect for what it represents. The murals from "La Bamba," are also placed in a location that fits it well. East Los Angeles has a rich history of music and culture that inspired artists like Ritchie Valens. The community is home to the mariachi community and just a few miles down are where Mariachi Plaza can be found. The graffiti art shows the culture and advancement of the graffiti and street art movement. The styles and colors that are used are attractive and captivating. From the research that I gathered, Honor One, self-funds all of his projects. He uses revenues generated by sales of his artwork to create more of it.
Phase 4: Proposal
The creativity and the resemblance of the people is what I enjoy the most of this artwork. Also, the fact that it is in a neighborhood that I grew up in. My paternal grandfather was a mechanic, and my maternal grandfather was an Army Veteran. My family loves cars and fixing them so this show and artwork resonate heavily with me. The music of Ritchie Valens and the music of that era also have always been played in my household. Seeing this artwork reminds me of family gatherings and the great times we had together. This artwork represents unity to me. It shows that no matter what ethnicity or background you come from, people can become friends and racial differences can be inspire as opposed to being a threat.
What I dislike is that I feel the murals and the graffiti should be separated to not cover each other up. I feel that the beauty of some of the pieces are covered and do not have the full effect. Not to say that the other pieces are not impactful, but I feel that they need space. Maybe they can be separated in sections so their true image can be viewed. Also, i feel that the artwork by Honor One is in a place where many cannot view it. It is a shame that what I can see daily, many cannot see because of the location. Maybe the city could allow this artwork to be moved from an alley to a central location where the public can see it. I work at the AT&T garage that is home to these murals and graffiti. I have had the opportunity to see it for years. I see this alley as an art gallery. The history and the time that these artists took to create this artwork is amazing and inspiring.
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