A visionary journey through the heart of LA
Inglewood, 2024. Featured Artwork © 2024 Gustavo Zermeño Jr.
Running through June 15, 2024
BEYOND THE STREETS just announced “What Was, What Is, What Could Be,” the first-ever solo exhibition from Los Angeles based-artist Gustavo Zermeño Jr.
“What Was, What Is, What Could Be” offers a profound exploration of the city’s myriad landscapes and communities, as envisioned through Zermeño’s aspirational and immersive mural-inspired landscapes. It is a narrative journey through the heart of Los Angeles, as told by one of its most passionate storytellers.
Zermeño Jr. transcends his iconic mural work to present a collection of paintings that pay homage to various Los Angeles landmarks—locations he has long aspired to transform through his art. Each work serves as a vibrant snapshot of LA’s diverse ecosystems, pacing between a harmonious blend of dreams and reality. His work is a manifestation of his presence within these landscapes, providing a unique lens through which he shares his personal narrative and connection with the city.
About the show, Gustavo Zermeño Jr. shares, “Los Angeles has always been my home, but it wasn’t until I started painting murals that I truly forged a bond with the city. My art has opened so many doors, each revealing itself as a hidden gem abundant with culture and beauty. Immersing myself for weeks in these neighborhoods has allowed me to intimately connect with and feel the unique energy of the many communities within LA, each a source of inspiration that continually shapes my identity as an artist.”
The exhibition is a testament to Zermeño’s innovative approach to art, where the act of mural painting becomes a dynamic conversation with the city and its inhabitants. This dialogue is not only a means of artistic expression but also a method for Zermeño to weave himself into the fabric of Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods. Through his process, he gains a deeper understanding and appreciation of the communities’ unique identities and stories, further enriching his art and allowing audiences to see Los Angeles through a distinctly intimate perspective. It invites viewers to traverse the city and spirit of its communities, celebrating LA’s complex beauty, resilience, and the unifying power of art to reflect and shape an understanding of place and identity.
The opening reception for “What Was, What Is, What Could Be” will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 6PM to 9PM PST, with the show running through June 15, 2024.
Gallery and Retail Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday: 11AM – 6PM
Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
Address: 434 N La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036