On Saturday, April 30th from 7pm to 11pm at Espacio 1839 in Boyle Heights, Japanese artist Night-Tha-Funksta will arrive in Los Angeles for the first time to display a series of works he titles From “On The Outside Looking In”, an intimate view of a Japanese artists’ interpretation of Chicano culture and art.
Fascinated by cholo lowrider culture, Night is just one of several Japanese Chicano enthusiasts that have become obsessed with lowriders, pendletons, pressed khakis, and Latin music. Since as early as the 1980’s, the Japanese interest in custom cars and oldies music spread widely. Japanese record collectors, classic car enthusiasts, and cholo fashion aficionados have collectively birthed a scene in Japan full of Chicano Japones.
Curator Richard Castor of Originals Magazine (@originalsporvida) will host Night and showcase Night’s art for the first time in Los Angeles. Night, a popular figure within the Chicano art community on Instagram will meet face to face with the people he so admires. The cultural encounter will be a fascinating experience that reflects the powerful impact of Chicano culture in the global sphere.
“My first encounter with Chicano culture was Chicano rap. Gradually I became interested in all aspects of the culture; history, food, customs, calo. What inspires me is the tracing back to our roots.” explains Night-Tha-Funksta. Despite the language barriers and differences in cultural nuance, Night-Tha-Funksta manages to relate to the barrios so familiar and even mundane to Eastside Angelenos. His vision and admiration for Chicano culture should reflect the lasting impact of a powerful community that takes pride in its heritage. Although this is the first of a true cultural exchange, it surely will not be the last. Castro hopes to someday take this Chicano art community and travel to Japan.
