Skip to Content
Art

Recap: Dark Progressivism: MOAH ~ Lancaster

1:54 PM PST on November 13, 2017

Dark Progressivism: The Built Environment delves into the impact the manmade landscape has had on the residents of Southern California: housing projects, commercial developments, freeways, the Los Angeles River and the Metro system. Dark Progressivism is an artistic style that developed organically out of graffiti and tattooing, consciously and unconsciously influenced by German Expressionism, film noir, typography, and the design elements present in Southern California. Participating artist and LA TACO senior photographer Erwin Recinos brings you a look at opening night of this exhibit...

Artist and K2S member Joe "Prime" Reza in front of his piece at the opening. Prime also contributed a "street-corner" installation inside the museum for the exhibition.


Stunning set of pieces by artist Carlos Ramirez, using signage mixed media to create a stylized installation.

Artist Gajin Fujita and photographer Steve Grody chopping it up during the opening.

A detailed look at Jaime Scholnick and her stylized acrylic painting style.

Artist Juan Carlos Munoz Hernandez with his contribution to the exhibition.

Musician Leafar Seyer of PRAYERS next to his piece for opening night.

"213" collab between photographer Jim McHugh, Prime and Big Sleeps. Mixed media including collaged 8x10 polaroid stills.

Street scene from the city of Boyle Heights painted by artist Manuel Lopez.


Dark Progressivism curator Rodrigo d'Ebre talking about the origins and ideas behind the exhibition.

6th Street Bridge survey by photographer Estevan Oriol before it's destruction in early 2016.

A unique light painting construction by Lynwood based artist Felix Quintana.

On the title card of the exhibition is this painting by Michael Alvarez. I was told this painting took just over a year to create. The color and depth wonderful.

Installation in the museum hall by artist Prime which is made set in place for visitors to contribute to during the life of the exhibit at MOAH.

Dark Progressivism: The Built Environment will be on display til January 14th 2018. Two upcoming events coinciding with the exhibition:

Art & Science Discussion Panel on Sunday December 10, 2pm.
Dark Progressivism Zine Fest on Sunday January 7, 12pm - 5pm.

Follow @darkprogressivism for more information and details about the upcoming events.

More Stories

We Mapped All the Random Spots In California That DHS Operates From, Revealed By the Latest Hack

L.A. TACO confirmed the locations of nearly 100 DHS-controlled sites in more than 60 cities across 11 counties in the state, including a warehouse in El Cajon primarily used by different pool and spa wholesale companies and much more.

November 11, 2026

Second Hunger Strike at Adelanto ICE Facility This Year Sees Participants Up to 65 Years Old Demanding Their Freedom From ‘Kidnapping’ 

The Adelanto ICE Processing Center is one of the deadliest ICE detention facilities in the nation. At least 24 reported detainees are standing against their captivity this past week.

November 11, 2026

The Untold Origin Story of L.A.’s Most Iconic Shrimp Taco

“I sold DVDs on the street,” Raul Ortega tells L.A. TACO. “I was a custodian, I was a mechanic; all while going to school to learn English. I did everything that was needed to feed my family.”

November 10, 2026

Investigations Newsletter: D.A. Nathan Hochman Wants the State to Keep Killing People

Pursuing death penalty cases at a time when approval for state-sanctioned killings is at an all-time low is a weird hill to die on (no pun intended).

November 9, 2026

In ‘Cop City,’ Young Santa Clarita Activists Are Fighting Flock Cameras

“I came back from college. I was applying for jobs, and no one was responding,” Jaechan Lee says. “So I decided I’m just going to make experiences for myself. I had seen the local media post an Instagram poll where 80% of people were against Flock cameras."

November 9, 2026

Be The First To See The Newest Rides From Porsche DTLA, Chevy, Alfa Romeo, and Dozens More At L.A. Auto Show

Look, touch, get inside of, and even test-drive the most cutting edge vehicles at the esteemed 10-day celebration of the newest 2027 cars. With plenty of classics among its one-million square feet.

November 9, 2026