Photo Recap: Five Art Openings in Los Angeles ~ January 2015

Join photographer Erwin Recinos as he wends his way through evening art openings in the month of January. This edition shows of the breadth and diversity of art events in Los Angeles, and brings us photo recaps of shows from Carlos Ponce & Raggedy Tiff, music photographers in the SGV, major photographers at Photo LA, graffiti in a gallery on Los Feliz, local arts, crafts, and food in Gardena, and the photography of Art Meza & Luis Favela at Homeboy Industries.

Hecho in Los Angeles ~ Lincoln Heights

Hecho in Los Angeles opened on January 3rd at Little Meats LA in Lincoln Heights. Photographic work on display by photographer Carlos Ponce. Also on display were accessory & apparel designs by Raggedy Tiff, all created by designer Jessica Resendiz. These two young creatives are inspired by Los Angeles and it’s distinct culture and lifestyle which is shown thru their work.

F/Stop, Won't Stop at Bridgetown DIY ~ La Puente

f/stop, won’t stop opened on January 9th at Bridgetown DIY in La Puente. A community space and social center for youngsters, creatives and touring bands that provides a safe and positive outlet for the city. The music photography on display was raw and energetic. A great view of life in San Gabriel Valley that I did not know existed. I will definitely be looking forward to other shows this space will provide in the future.

24th Annual Photo LA 2015 ~ Downtown Los Angeles

On January 15, Photo LA returned for its 24th year in Los Angeles. This year's show was held at The REEF, located in the historic LA Mart building in downtown Los Angeles. Downtown LA has become an international destination for art patrons and enthusiasts. In addition to Photo LA and the LA Art Show, downtown LA will also welcome the highly anticipated opening of the new Broad Museum in 2015, along with the ongoing arrival of new cutting-edge and blue-chip galleries, such as Hauser Wirth & Schimmel. Inspired by downtown's growing vitality and creative energy, Photo LA relocated to The REEF for its 2014 edition, attracting an unprecedented attendance of 16,000 guests.

Urban Eyes at Spirit Studio ~ Silverlake

Urban Eyes opened on January 17th at Spirit Studio in Los Feliz. A bit of refinement from local street artists displaying works that mesh well together by color and aesthetic. This art show is more of a family gather of local artist all playing in the same field. Exchanging stickers and blackbooks with conversations and laughs.

Full Circle Night Market at Pita Popix Grill ~ Gardena

Full Circle Night Market opened at Pita Popix Grill this January 17th. Art, vendors, music and food are on display in Gardena. You can browse local vendors booth for the latest wears and accessories. Check out the gallery hall from local artist. Don’t forget the food! If you haven’t tried a Popix Burger your missing out. Remember to split it with a friend.

Chicano Soul & Luis Favela ~ HomeGirl Cafe

Homegirl Cafe hosted a photography exhibit featuring the works of Art Meza aka "Chicano Soul" and Luis Favela. In the front of the cafe Favela curated a exhibit of his travel photos from South America and Los Angeles. His photography is an extension of his other creative outlet, tattooing. Definitely more to come from this budding photographer.

Art Mezas photography manifests his passion of lowriding culture and chicano lifestyle. Using Los Angeles as a backdrop to create timeless photos. Last year, Mezas' book "Lowriting" was added to the Los Angeles Public Library's catalog. Lowriting is a pairing of Mezas' photography with stories poetry and artwork. Check lapl.org to see if there is copy at your local library to get more familiar with the work of Chicano Soul.