Opening August 6 from 8pm-late is “Murals of Silicon Valley”. Join us!
This exhibition organically grew out of WordsPaintingMusic and Left Coast Live, two events that provided community artists with a platform to express their creativity in a collaborate and larger format. While a mural usually is defined as an artwork that fits the contours of a building, wall, or structure, a mural can now also be defined in a wider context. The free standing boards and the wide range of interpretations from various artists on what constitutes a ‘mural’ are examples of that expansion.
As artists worked in the gallery, a sense of play and engaging collaboration evolved that does not exist in a solo studio environment. Artists, by the nature of the artistic process, are relegated to solitude, but most like to be social and so the various teams that formed around each board as the art was in process made for more engaging and unexpected results, as instant critiques and suggestions were given in a manner of good will and generosity.
Individual murals also known as ‘signature murals’ were added to the mix. Great signature artists like Emigdio Vasquez and John Pugh, were the inspiration for adding works by local artists such as Ben Alexy, Francesca Lovecchio, and Paul J. Gonzalez. These three are San José artists whose artwork serves as a counterpoint to the collaborative pieces in the exhibition.
San José has a rich array of murals. Photographer Reuben Rutledge photographed many of the murals hidden in and around Silicon Valley for this exhibition. Many reflect an historical and cultural perspective, like one of the at the Mexican Heritage Plaza or the one facilitated by MACLA at the corner of Sunset and Alum Rock in East San José. Others reflect a more contemporary view of modern life.
The artists in this exhibit put in a lot of hours, and Works is proud to show the great effort that went into these murals. Although Silicon Valley has many murals, there is room for more, and the most compelling reason to see more of this genre is not just because it is culturally enriching, but because it facilitates dialogue between communities and artists.
