Smogtown Presents: Chaz Bojorquez “The End of the World” ~ December 21st

Solo exhibition featuring new works by CHAZ BOJORQUEZ

Smogtown presents a solo exhibition titled “END OF THE WORLD” featuring new works by Los Angeles esteemed artist, Chaz Bojorquez. Opening reception accompanied with an entertainment program, Friday, December 21, 2012, 6 PM - 2 AM, at Plaza De La Raza, Boathouse Gallery, 3540 Mission Road,Los Angeles, 90031.

The Mayan calendar has just completed a full cycle of 5,125 years as of December 21st, 2012 predicted as an apocalypse ‘End of the World’ of humanity, glorified through movies, rushed occult writers, bloggers and New Age visionaries foreseeing all manner of monumental change, from dooms day to a new age of enlightenment. “This body of new artwork is a representation of the passing of the old world, expressing the emergence of change, a new world united through technology, arts and culture,” states celebrated artist Chaz Bojorquez.

Bojorquez, a key artist featured in last year's blockbuster MOCA’s Art in the Street, is acknowledged as a pioneer of L.A.’s Street Art and ‘Godfather’ of East Los Angeles ‘cholo’ style graffiti for more than 43 years. Growing up, he was exposed to the uses, values and craft of East Los Angeles graffiti lettering styles (known as placas) a tradition since WWII. By the end of 1969 he had created a tag symbol that represented him and the streets - a stylized skull called “Senor Suerte” (Mr. Luck), which has become a well-known street image of protection from death. Bojorquez is represented in numerous permanent museum collections, including the Smithsonian Institute, National Museum of American Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Museum Of Contemporary Art and Laguna Art Museum. Bojorquez exhibits and lectures internationally, and performs “live” art that demonstrates his unique letter styles and pursues commercial/cultural assignments.

To celebrate this monumental moment in time (12/21/12), the evening includes a special ceremonial Mayan dance performed by Danza Xipitotec, live music by Youth Mariachi Plaza de la Raza, Very Be Careful and DJ Beeside.

Plaza de la Raza has been one of the few landmarks in Los Angeles where artists and performers, children and families, audiences and visitors convene to celebrate the rich contribution of Latino performing and visual arts. Plaza has earned recognition for excellence and national leadership in after-school arts and recreation programs. Plaza is also one of the City’s popular points of cultural interest for world visitors, artists, performers, and is highly regarded by the surrounding community as a “safe haven” for local youth.

Admission is free and open to the public. Exhibition runs through January 31, 2013.

PLAZA DE LA RAZA, Cultural Center for the Arts & Education, Boathouse Gallery
3540 Mission Road
Los Angeles, CA 90031
T: 323.223.2475
www.plazadelaraza.org