Skip to Content
Party Pics

Recap: “Por Vida” Originals Magazine Release Party

Creating art has always served as a representation of the current times, outlooks, and sentiments. Some say there has been a "resurgence" in Chicano culture, but this culture never lost its color and luster. After an open call for submissions, the creators of Originals Magazine curated a well rounded set of artists to represent the ideas of lowrider and cholo life styles with a spotlight on cultures existing within each neighborhood around the world. Artists included Rich Westkoast, Benjie Escobar, Valerie J. Bower, Annie Motel, James Solano, El Oms, Joaquin Atl Guzman and Robert James Almost.

China Town's Shadowbox Gallery was packed wall to wall. It took us a while to make our way through the gallery in hopes of viewing each piece. The tunes were bumping hard as rare 45's crackled and popped with memories of yesterday. Originals Magazine is a much needed publication that will truly represent the ever changing life styles of today, while  also reflecting and respecting the heritage of distinct cultures from the past.

Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-28
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-8
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-3
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-22
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-25
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-30
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-23
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-12
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-Robert-James-Olmost
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-29
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-14
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-33
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-34
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-24
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-36
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-27
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-15
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-5
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-13
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-1
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-2
Originals_Magazine_Por_Vida_Art_Show-9

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

SoCal Day Laborers Increasingly Targeted By Scams, Wage Theft, and Deportation Threats

"It's not just about always being on alert, but sometimes, if [employers] hire us, they threaten us with ICE so they don't have to pay us," a laborer named José says in Spanish.

January 20, 2026

Sunday Taquitos #11: Rock Bottom

It’s a good question. Sunday Taquitos! Art by Ivan Ehlers.

January 18, 2026

DAILY MEMO: Ten-Year-Old Child, Gardeners, and Vendors, Among the More Than 88 Kidnapped in SoCal This Week

Memo answers the complicated question, “Isn’t it against the law now for ICE to be masked?”

Weekend Eats: ‘Fuck ICE’ Pop-Tarts In Highland Park; Palestinian Movie Night and Falafel Nachos in Watts

While the first taquero to win a Michelin star lands for one night only, Pioneer Chicken pops-up in the Valley, and bone marrow-and-wagyu paella arrives on the Westside.

January 16, 2026

Which Of These 11 L.A. Running Clubs Is Right For You?

There are running clubs across the city for activists, athletes, mothers, food lovers, different skill levels, and those seeking community, as well as a little company on the road.

January 15, 2026

City Council Backs Limits On LAPD’s Use Of ‘Militarized Police’ At Protests, Activists Are Skeptical

The “graded response” model calls for police officers in regular uniforms to be deployed at protests before sending in heavily-armed officers in riot gear and specialized units such as SWAT, if needed.

January 14, 2026
See all posts