13 MEXICANOS

March 16th, 2013

Curated by Frank Romero owner of Local 29

The Spot, in Barrio Logan, hosted a totally different type of art show last saturday called,13 Mexicanos curated by Frank Romero, owner of Local 29 in Tijuana. The show consisted of mostly Tijuana artists based in street art. Unfortunately, I couldn’t meet all of the artists due to the fact that they couldn’t cross the boarder for various reasons- all ridiculous- but those that I did meet where more enthusiastic about explaining their work and the stories behind each piece than any artist I’ve met in American shows. When I spoke to Frank directly he was thankful for everyone coming and the fact that he could help these artists reach out into the San Diego art scene. When I spoke to him about the motivation to create this show, especially in San Diego and not at his own gallery, Local 29, he had this to say:

“13 Mexicanos was born from man’s need to express their ideas and feelings THROUGH various means due to [pessimistic global mentality] support and being ignored by our government, we are forced to look for other ways to show discontent and express our creativity and show feelings THROUGH silkscreen graffiti murals ect… Letting know [we have the ability to] dominate our skills and techniques, with no support from governmental institutions and learn [to self-support and gain our own independence] from them and we have to find ways and means to survive without forgetting where we came and who we are, we are streets that come from the street.”

Most of the work on view at the Spot looks like it was taken directly from the walls in Tijuana, especially that of Teak and Romero’s. When I asked Frank about his piece he said that the last place he had it hanging up in “lost” almost half of it, but being the optimistic he’s looking at it in a whole new light. He can keep building on the piece because of it’s street nature.

Female artist, Panca, is mostly known as a muralist in Tijuana. She displayed a few canvas pieces that were extremely colorful and imaginative compared to the rest of the pieces. When I spoke to her she told me of the great respect for street art in Tijuana and the ally way where local galleries have called home – Pasaja Rodriguez off of Revolution (for those that know TJ). If you’re feeling adventurous and want a guided tour of Tijuana’s art scene the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – La Jolla is offering a field trip! See here for more details:http://www.mcasd.org/events/field-trip-explore-tijuanas-explosive-art-scene