By Kaelie Macaulay
Staff Writer
Actor and comedian Cheech Marin teamed up with “TIME4ART” to present his private collection of Chicano art in the newest Manhattan Beach Art Center exhibit, “A peek into Chicano Art,” featuring a variety of Mexican-American artists.
The exhibit features an expansive representation of Chicano Art from Marin’s exclusive collection, offering viewers an insight into the history of the Mexican-American culture in the United States. Effectively combining history and art, “A peek into Chicano Art” impresses with pieces featuring diverse medias and a wide range of historical interpretations.
Chicano Art was heavily influenced by the immigration of Mexicans into America during the 1960s, representing the oppression the Mexican-American community faced. Propelled by the Chicano immigration, the Chicano Art Movement arose and today represents the Mexican-Americans fight to to institute a distinct artistic style in the United States.
“TIME4ART” is an independent, non-profit foundation facilitated by Homeira Goldstein, an avid art collector and fashion connoisseur, whose primary goal is to unite artists and showcase their work in the greater Los Angeles area.
Marin’s personal collection of masterpieces displays a host of diverse artistic mediums. Ranging from conceptual glass sculptures to vivid murals, “A peek into Chicano Art” offers the public an opportunity to view a wide range of elegant and diverse Chicano artworks. Preserving Chicano culture, the exhibit emphasizes the various genres of the historical art.
One piece in particular, the painting “Axis Bold as Love” composed by George Yepes, encompassed the lively ambiance of the exhibit. Flecks of gold material illuminate the oil paints on the canvas and the bright, metallic colors and abstract shapes cleverly combine to demonstrate Yepes’ expertise in his craft and his connection to his Mexican-American roots.
Comedian and Art Collector, Cheech Marin discusses the importance of Chicano artists, as well as what inspired him to begin collecting Chicano art. Marin has been studying art all his life and was immediately struck by the beauty of Chicano art and strived to give them the representation they deserve. Video courtesy of Juri Koll via Youtube.
Although many different interpretations of Chicano Art are on display, the paintings are cohesive due to their Mexican-American influence. Complementary pieces bound together by Mexican influence showcase the culture with comprehensive portrayal of Mexican architecture. Colonial style Cathedrals and adobes as well as Mexican style red clay houses are prevalent in many of the paintings.
In addition, the exhibit features a wide range of color palettes. Bursting with waves of color, the artwork showcases different shades and uses of vibrant palettes. Although diverse, the exhibit is cohesive due to the similar bright, multi-colored compositions.
Whether abstract, surreal, or conceptual, proficiency in skill and dynamic compositions are prevelent in all fifteen pieces. Each piece demands attention and amazes with varying dimensions and intricate details with little to no visible white space. The massive canvases effectively portray the importance of art in the Chicano culture.
“TIME4ART” and Marin designed a highly professional, informational and unique exhibit that effectively showcases the culture and variety in Chicano art. The artworks preserve Chicano history and embody the legends that compose Chicano culture.
This stunning collection is available for viewing on Wednesday through Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm at the Manhattan Beach Art Center, located at 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd until December 31, 2016.
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