County fairs usually aren’t noted for their art; but this year’s is an exception, with Millard Sheets Art Center hosting a fine PST LA/LA exhibition, “Judithe Hernández and Patssi Valdez: One Path Two Journeys.” Hernández and Valdez were, respectively, members of influential Chicano artist collectives Los Four and Asco; this show illuminates their parallel trajectories as individuals. In line with the title, curator Thomas Canavan placed their works on opposite walls, asserting each artist’s singularity while educing their affinities. Both explore their Chicana identities and indigenous heritage through multiplicities of strokes coalescing into eerie quasi-surreal scenes. Hernández’ haunting paintings and pastels of classical women amid plants and animals (pictured above) are suffused with foreboding and often horror. Nature and mysticism also figure in Valdez’ interiors where everyday objects embody sinister characters. Her paintings are no less creepy for their super-vivid hues that somehow avoid kitschiness. Photographs and documentaries illustrating the women’s Chicano movement connections accompany over 60 works from the 1980s to present. The imagery here is disturbing, beautiful and very memorable. Fair admission and parking fees are required through September 24.

Millard Sheets Art Center
1101 W McKinley Avenue (Fairplex)
Pomona, CA 91768
Show runs through January 28, 2018