Courtesy of Estevan Oriol
2 LIVE AND DIE IN L.A.
July 10th 2021
12pm-10pm
Featured Image Merrick Morton
2 LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. is the most important art show of Los Angeles neighborhood culture that you won’t see in a big name gallery. Curated by Frankie Orozco for the fourth year running—the early origins of the show were focused primarily on Chicano arts with a high focus in photography. Frankie Orozco has now expanded the show beyond the original barrio artists to other neighborhoods such as Venice, South Central, and Skid Row.
This year’s show will coincide with the debut of the L.A. Six— six prolific Los Angeles documentary and street photographers that have come together to give the world a unique glimpse into the lesser known reaches of Los Angeles. Their images include 1980’s L.A. gang culture, the low rider scene of the 90’s, the hip hop generation, the Mongols Motorcycle Club, East L.A. and South Central backyard punk scenes, stunning landscapes of the city, and intimate views of Los Angeles’ Skid Row. Together, their works reveal a rare view of hidden Los Angeles. The L.A. Six includes Estevan Oriol, Merrick Morton, Frankie Orozco, Gilbert Godoy, Angela Boatwright and Suitcase Joe. This year’s show is especially unique because Frankie has offered wall space to up-and-coming photographers, allowing their work to be shown along side well-known photographers.There will be some 40-plus artists sharing their work this year. For Frankie Orozco, this show is about conserving local culture that he feels is disappearing at a rapid rate. Frankie, “This is my way to help preserve L.A. street culture. Neighborhoods are being bought all over Los Angeles and new buildings are popping up and driving people out of LA. It’s becoming gentrified and, along with it, the culture is leaving.”
2 LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. will present a one day showing July 10th at Chuco’s Justice Center in South Central. The center, once a correctional facility for juveniles, now hosts a variety of programs that help those who were incarcerated reintegrate back into society. “This building is important because there have been a lot of gang peace treaties put together here, too. The location lends to the whole feeling and vibe of the street culture. There have been 30 year long rivalries where many people have died from gang beef but, inside this building, the rivalries have been put to rest. It’s a neutral ground and mediation place for gangs,” says curator Frankie Orozco.
This year’s show will take place at Chuco’s, inside the juvenile courtrooms and jail cells, with art from inmates actively serving time, live musical performances, and a few surprises. Due to the pandemic, there will be limited tickets sold. For more information, visit instagram @2liveanddiein_la
Chuco’s Justice Center
7625 S Central Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90001
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