Skip to Content
Art

“H O M E G I R L S” Solo Exhibit from Valerie J. Bower ~ opens Saturday

12:24 PM PDT on June 29, 2017

    Southern California is full of aspiring artists making their waves in efforts to break through the masses. Some get lucky and meet the right people and others hustle their way through and make their own opportunities. When we think of this, one artist immediately comes to mind and that's Valerie J. Bower. Valerie's work has been breaking through to so many people all over the globe. Her honest and humble approach to photography instantly makes you fall in love with the images and zines she continues to create. We're proud to call Valerie a photographer, we know she loves and appreciates her craft as she connects and creates with some of the most prominent people in the Los Angeles area.

    This coming Saturday July 1st, Valerie will have her first Solo show titled "H O M E  G I R L S" debuting at the Grab Bag Studio in Long Beach. With the help and support from Grab Bag Studio, Valerie will be releasing a new Book, Lapel pin and more. We asked Valerie about her show and she shared this artist statement with us:

    H O M E  G I R L S 

    is

    Photos of three friends, Canela, Morena and Luna. I initially spoke with Canela to take portraits. That day she brought along her homegirls to shoot also, Morena and Luna, who are sisters. Canela and Luna are both 17, and Morena is 16. We met on a Friday at Roosevelt Park in L.A., right at the Florence Station stop off the Metro Blue Line. All three girls were instantly so beautiful inside and out to me. What was intended to be a straight forward portrait session with the girls, turned into a series with deeper meaning to me. They shared make up, did each others hair, bought ice cream, laughed, and danced to music playing through a bluetooth speaker. I decided to make this series of photos about not only their beauty, but their friendship and connection to each other. I set out to capture this young girlhood.

    Stay in touch

    Sign up for our free newsletter

    More from L.A. TACO

    The 11 Best Backyard Restaurants in Los Angeles

    Despite many requests to publish this guide, L.A. TACO has been somewhat protective of these gems to not "burn out the spots." However, we wanted to share it with our small, loyal pool of paid members, as we appreciate your support (and know you to be okay, non-NARCs). Please enjoy responsibly and keep these 'hood secrets...secrets.

    April 18, 2024

    Here’s What an L.A. TACO Membership Gets You and Why You Should Support Local Journalism

    With more than 30 members-only perks at the best L.A. restaurants, breweries, and dispensaries waiting to be unlocked, the L.A. TACO membership pays for itself!

    April 17, 2024

    What To Eat This Weekend: Cannabis-Infused Boat Noodles, Thai Smashburgers, and “Grass & Ass”

    Plus, a pizza festival and a respected chef from Toluca, Mexico comes to Pasadena to consult for a restaurant menu, including enchiladas divorciadas, and more.

    April 12, 2024

    Facing ‘Immediate Layoffs,’ L.A. TACO Launches Membership Drive to Save Our Publication

    After Sunday, we do not have enough money to make another payroll. We need 5,000 members to become sustainable. Our deadline is April 26th to hit this goal.

    April 12, 2024
    See all posts