Curious about the current west side exhibitions, we started our gallery openings serendipitously early this week. As we strolled down La Cienega’s gallery row, we noticed some of our favorite spaces were unfortunately closed for installation, but to our delight, Megan and Luis at Luis De Jesus were gracious enough to give us a sneak peek to their upcoming show featuring work by Hugo Crosthwaite. His fourth solo exhibition with the Gallery, Hugo Crosthwaite’s, TIJUAS! (Death March, Tijuana Bibles and Other Legends), was a cohesive reflection of the beauty of human intimacy coupled with a raw portrayal of the more violent and uncomfortable aspects of life.

Hugo Crosthwaite, TIJUAS! at Luis De Jesus

Composed mainly of large black and white drawings and paintings as well as a new series of animated videos and books, the “Tijuana Bibles,” Crosthwaite layers technical, figurative drawings with modern abstractions. Drawing from a personal narrative of working on both sides of the U.S. and Mexico border, Crosthwaite’s thoughtful and enticing imagery visually articulates the complexities of a continually adapting landscape and culture.  Crosthwaite’s works recontextualize passing moments of everyday life. His honest and visceral depiction links borders and visually communicates the human condition; insight we are forever grateful to have been granted. 

Hugo Crosthwaite, TIJUAS! at Luis De Jesus

In contrast to the spontaneous and exclusive walkthrough of Crosthwaite’s exhibition, we attended the much-awaited opening of Shepard Fairey, Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent at Over the Influence Gallery later in the weekend. Known for his iconic imagery, the prolific artist behind the Obey Giant art campaign has certainly maintained a presence in the guerrilla street art scene while also producing an acclaimed body of commercial work. Fairey has forever influenced art in the urban scene as well as historical landscape and is known for work such as the “Hope” portrait of Barack Obama, which now lives in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.

Shepard Fairey, Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent at Over the Influence Gallery

Highly praised by his fans and peers, it was no surprise that the line to enter the exhibition extended out the door and around the block. Eager gallery-goers from far and wide came to witness the artist and his exhibition, which celebrated his concepts over the last 30 years. The energy and excitement of the opening was contagious, artists such a Cleon Peterson, Mark Whalen, and Peter Shire were in attendance as well as designer Ripley Rader and celebrities such as Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara.

Shepard Fairey, Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent at Over the Influence Gallery

The gracious artist entertained questions and signed paraphernalia from adoring followers until closing. Fairey’s connection with each attendee spoke volumes to his authenticity as an artist. Despite the critical acclaim, Fairey stays true to utilizing art as a catalyst for dialogue and amongst his prolific works at this weekend’s opening, there was plenty of just that.