About

Eastern Projects Gallery cordially invites you to join us this SATURDAY MAY 29, 2021, 5:00-9:00pm, for the OPENING RECEPTION of "Head In The Clouds", our first GROUP SHOW of 2021. 

“Head In The Clouds” is curated by Armando Lerma, who brings together native artists who's practices represent individual and community survival, using techniques being passed on from one generation to the next, keeping traditions alive, yet making unique works reflective of their experiences.

About Armando Lerma

My recent work reflects my interest in anthropology, archeology, and art history, specifically the American Southwest to southern Mexico. My study of art has led me to a better understanding of history and culture. I am slowly making my way back in time to the beginning and trying to fill in the missing pieces. Myths, legends, ceremonies and rituals fill the void and is helpful in understanding what has been missing. I have been on my own migration and have accumulated my own migration stories and I can’t help but feel that this has all happened before. We have seen people come and go, knowledge gained and lost, and this is reflected in the art and the mystery that is culture. How do we transmit our understanding of the world around us, how do we express what cannot be said. I continue to be in awe of the past and of the ancestors who came before. I sit and stare hoping it will reveal itself.

Ricardo Angeles

Ricardo Ángeles Mendoza was born and raised in the town of San Martín Tilcajete, known for the crafting of art pieces carved in copal tree wood. Since the age of six he was immersed into the process of craftsmanship and art production on the family's workshop.

At fourteen he had gone through all the processes that were carried out in the workshop and mainly focused on the painting of the pieces. In high school, not being able to be a fundamental part of the time in the workshop, he began receiving drawing works of handcrafted pieces that were commissioned to his family for their collective approval and that was the moment when he developed his drawing technique focusing on animals and fantastic creatures from his own imagination.

Since November of 2020 is part of the project “La Trinidad” which seeks to formalize the market dynamics among young contemporary artist in Oaxaca and also promote dissident aesthetics of the current Oaxacan art market.

Part of his artistic production gathers the different images that results of the mixture between globalization and indigenous communities, in particular case, his community. This images arise from cultural, political, social and economic symptoms such as migration, tourism, internet, social conflicts, economic contrast and family situations.

Nani Chacon

Chacon, is a Dine (Navajo) and Chicana artist. Most recognized as a painter and muralist. Nani was born in Gallup, New Mexico and grew up on both the Navajo reservation and New Mexico. Her most notable works have been with in the public arts sector, in which she has a cumulative experience of over 20 years. She began a prolific career as a graffiti writer, and continued this practice for the next 10 years. In 2005, she began exploring other mediums and developed strong aptitude in painting,illustration and design. In 2012, she returned to the public eye creating work on walls. Soon this work transpired to creating Murals and large scale public works. A return to working on walls and in a public setting was a natural progression that facilitates the content of her work as well as personal philosophy that art should be accessible and a meaningful catalyst for social change. Community based arts and educational integration are also a key component the work Nani creates. Her work has been recognized for its unique style and attention paid to site specificity, as well as the integration of socio political issues effecting women and Indigenous peoples.

Ahkima Honyumptewa

Ahkima is a weaver and painter and is a member of the snake clan with the Hopi people. He is from the village of Paagvavi, in Third Mesa. He has been an artist since he was young painting on canvas ranging from small to large scale paintings. He mostly painted katsinas but also tried different types of genres like landscapes, people, animals, and spiritual influences. Weaving is something he picked up by accident. Originally Ahkima wasn’t interested in it until he was talked into it by family and friends in 2007. Since then, Ahkima has learned more styles of weaving extending to blankets and clothing. 

Eric (Tépsöya) Kayquaptewa

Eric is a Hopi Katsina Doll carver, starting at the age of 15. he learned the craft from his grandfather, father, brothers, and cousins.  His carving art form began in Contemporary Katsina carving, but has moved on to the  the more traditional style with the help of his cousins.  They taught him how to collect the natural earth pigments and where to find them. All the paint colors he uses are from mother earth. He has  participated in several well-known Native American Art Shows in the past 6 years, like the Santa Fe Indian Market in New Mexico, Heard Museum Guild Indian Market & Fair in Arizona, Autry Museum Indian Art Market in California, Cherokee Art Market in Oklahoma, and the Hopi Art Market in Arizona. In the majority of shows I have attended I have places and won 1st an 2nd and as well as Honorable Mention Ribbions.

For more information please contact:

easternprojectsLA@gmail.com 

Only 50 guests in 30 minute intervals will be allowed inside, MASKS and social distancing are mandatory for the safety of everyone. Temperature checks and hand sanitizer will be provided upon entry, time limits will be enforced.

for those who cannot attend, you can join us via ZOOM, https://www.zoom.us/join:

Meeting ID: 689 923 7694

Password: ajAU0S