As part of its Cultural Arts Division, the City of South Gate has opened Cuídate / Take Care of Yourself, a juried group exhibition featuring more than 30 visual artists at the city’s newly revamped South Gate Museum and Gallery. The exhibition’s title and theme both reflect on life during the pandemic. Opened January 29th, the exhibition of over 30 artists was gathered through an open call for local artists and juried by Color Compton founder Abigail-Lopez-Byrd, Chief Curator of the Museum of Latin American Art Gabriela Urtiaga, and artist Ozzie Juarez, founder of Tlaloc studios. The show runs through March 26th, when a closing reception will be held.
Participating artists include: Alba Castro, Albert Orozco, Amabelle Aguiluz, Andreina Giron, Angelica Viramontes, Billy Montenegro, Blanca Ibarra, Brenda Trujillo, Brenda Cibrian, Calixto Rodriguez (and students), Carlos Ayon, Catrina Esperanza, Celestina Rodriguez, Cindy “cindita” Macias, Daisy Velasco, Daniela Garcia, David Martinez, Edlin Lopez, Eleazar Martinez, Evelyn Menjivar, Ever Velasquez, Gloria “Glories” Martinez, Israel Lopez, Jacqueline Valenzuela, Joan “Zeta” Zamora, Jo Jimenez, Jynx Prado, Kiara Aileen Machado, Leo Alas & Genna Bloombecker, Leopoldo Peña, Martin Alexander Hernandez, Michael Gallegos, Michael The Khoi Tran, Miguel Rivera, Mike Alonso Alcala, Nicole Fournier, Paloma Montoya.
The evocative and varied work includes painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Some images are grounded in an evocative realism, others are abstract; one moving work recreates images often found in ofrendas honoring the departed.
According to acting cultural arts coordinator Jennifer Mejia, the exhibition’s inspiration and title came from a lighthearted aphorism for farewell. Reflecting the unique experiences of those living in Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) during
the Covid-19 pandemic, the exhibition’s focus is self-care. “We wanted to create a space where artists could share what self-care meant to them. As we began curating the exhibit, we realized that [the meaning of] self care has so many intersections. Three pillars we built upon included taking care of oneself, the community and the environment.” As the gallery’s first exhibition, Mejia notes “We were intentional with curating an exhibit that uplifts our community by showcasing local artists and talent from South
East Los Angeles.”
Each image resonates with themes of self-care and awareness of the importance of health and personal responsibility. “Whether
that looks like celebrating a birthday, cooking with your loved ones, or moving your body, each artwork brings [the artist’s] unique take to the theme taking care of oneself,” Mejia says.
She passionately believes in the importance of creating spaces to “amplify the voices of our community through the arts, especially in regards to meaningful themes.” And one way to support that artistic initiative is to visit and empower the new South Gate Museum and Art Gallery. Once the city’s public library, the space became a museum in the late 1980s and has only recently been revamped for the community and art lovers everywhere to enjoy.
“The cultural arts staff envisions the space continuing to thrive and grow to benefit our art community and public in general. We hope to foster a safe space where people are welcomed to create, be inspired and build strong connections with each other. We also want to see our space engage the community by providing programming and events that create new and exciting experiences. It would mean a lot for us to see our museum and art gallery be the go-to space for others to enjoy on their down time, when they are looking to learn something new, or find opportunities and resources in the pursuit of an art pathway or career,” Mejia asserts. “Our community only gets stronger when it has spaces like ours to relish in and there is great joy in a community being empowered through the arts.”
The exhibition is available for viewing from 12 to 4 p.m. daily. A special closing celebration event will be held from 12-4 on the 26th of March. Festivities will include a sound bath facilitated by Rob Don Yoga; Weaving Hope, an interactive installation and art activity by Yeu Q Nguyen; free art workshops provided by the SELA Artists Guild, Color Compton, Carlos Gacharna, Latinas Art Foundation and Artspace HP; and local vendors and community resources. And of course, the chance to explore this beautifully curated exhibition.
South Gate Museum and Gallery is located at 8680 California Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280
- Genie Davis; photos provided by the gallery and artists