A neighborhood exhibition showcasing young local artists at all stages of their involvement with art? Art doesn’t often show up that way! But it did recently when a pop-up event organized by the Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation in Oakland’s Fruitvale District brought together seven local artists whose work crosses media and cultural boundaries. The artists ranged from painters and collage artists to photographers and graphics artists.

All four of these artists strikingly combine techniques and art concepts rooted both in European art practice and in current trends tied to their youth and specific experiences, the things that make them who they are. This combination of old world and new makes their work interesting and bold. 

Alex Gutierrez                                                                                              Liliana Hererra

The four share some of the same experiences as people throughout the México/US diaspora, but they each bring a distinct personal expression not overshadowed by academic tradition. Art school rules, their work shows, were meant to be learned, then broken! What guides their work: the joy that art coming from the heart and soul brings to both practitioner and audience.

Lola Caballero                                                                                              Mario Navasero 

Congratulations to all four of these artists. Let’s see more! And props to the Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation for bringing neighborhood art to the neighborhood!