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.