Ernesto De La Loza
“LA Real”
ON VIEW 8/23/25 - 10/4/25
Saturday October 4, 2025
- Artist Talk 5:00pm-6:00pm
- Closing Reception 6:00pm - 8:00PM
Eastern Projects Gallery is honored to present “LA Real,” the first retrospective survey of work by veteran Chicano muralist and painter Ernesto de la Loza at Eastern Projects. Curated by his sister, Sandra de la Loza, this landmark exhibition features a wide range of paintings—both small- and large-scale—alongside ephemera and archival materials that trace de la Loza’s nearly five-decade-long artistic journey.
A lifelong resident of Los Angeles, Ernesto de la Loza has served as both a witness to and participant in the city’s ever-unfolding story. His work reflects the tectonic cultural shifts, political movements, and diverse landscapes that have shaped Los Angeles. Through a singular and evolving body of work, he captures the city’s layered histories—interweaving its complexities, aesthetic traditions, and the beauty and tragedy of its sunny facades and shadowed realities.
From public murals rooted in civil rights and environmental justice to intimate plein air studies of Echo Park and gold-leafed portraits of “fallen angels,” de la Loza’s work spans movements, media, and generations. “LA Real” features murals, letter-based art, portraiture, and plein air paintings that leap across time, mythologies, and cultural lexicons—each as expansive, dynamic, and unruly as Los Angeles itself. His serene Echo Park lake scenes are juxtaposed with haunting depictions of wildfires and glowing sunsets. These images sit beside portraits of everyday Angelenos and larger-than-life cultural figures, capturing fleeting moments of resilience, beauty, and struggle.
Paintings such as Collapse of the Empire, American Icon, and L.A. Patrona reflect de la Loza’s distinctive blend of realism, symbolism, and deep community engagement. Whether channeling the spirit of Ruben Salazar or responding to the complexities of changing neighborhoods (Attack of the 50 ft. Churro Lady), his visual language is at once grounded, visionary, and culturally charged.
The exhibition also includes works from his Echo Park plein air series, multi-panel paintings that explore themes of community, justice, and cultural identity, as well as mural documentation that speaks to his lifelong commitment to public art and civic expression.
Eastern Projects Gallery is pleased to present “NEW WORK”, Paper and Canvas a solo exhibition by renowned artist Gary Wong—his third with the gallery. Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, June 28, from 4 to 7 PM. Featuring a vibrant new collection of works on paper and canvas, the exhibition explores Wong’s deep connection to music, abstract painting, and his ongoing search for meaningful expression.
His pieces explore the tension between abstraction and representation, influenced by his lifelong love of American
jazz and American abstract painting. As he explains, “I hear music when looking at paintings, and I see pictures while listening to music.” This unique perspective informs his creative process, echoing the evolution of both jazz music and abstract painting as distinct American Art forms.
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Wong shares insights into his artistic journey:
“My interest and work over the years has led me to investigate and expand on the notion of man’s need to make a mark and to find a meaningful vehicle for doing so. This includes seeking truth in materials and methods, as they apply to Modern American Abstract Painting. I find that the process of creating in this way is very close to composing and playing American jazz music.”
Today, Wong’s work continues to resonate for its emotional depth and cultural richness. His ability to weave together elements of his heritage with the music and movements of his time has made him a vital figure in contemporary art. Each piece in “NEW WORK” functions as a visual composition, resonating with the emotional and rhythmic qualities of music and poetry. The exhibition invites viewers into Wong’s dynamic creative process, where the boundaries between sound and sight blur.
Following the exhibition, Wong has been selected for a prestigious three- week Artist-in-Residence program at McColl Center for Art and Innovation in Charlotte, North Carolina, scheduled in the Fall 2025. This internationally acclaimed residency offers artists the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in their creative practice. He’s eager to explore casting, painting, and printmaking. He will also work as a mentor with a cohort of McColl Fellows completing their residencies.
This residency marks a significant milestone in Wong’s career, offering a platform to expand his interdisciplinary approach that intertwines visual art and music as interconnected forms of expression.
VIEW ARTWORK
Annual Group Show:
“Into the Light”
On View November 16, 2024 - January 18, 2025
Artists: Garrett Wasserman | Samir Arghandiwall | Natalie Krim | Armando Lerma | Rodrigo Angel Jimenez- Ortega
EASTERN PROJECTS is excited to announce the opening of “Into the Light,” a dynamic group exhibition showcasing the diverse artistic expressions of five talented California artists.
“Into the Light” invites viewers to experience a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the state’s cultural heritage, social landscapes, and personal introspections. Each artist offers a distinct voice, weaving together stories that resonate with the contemporary human experience. The exhibition will open with a reception on November 16, 2024 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, engage in discussions about their work, and enjoy an evening of inspiration and creativity. Light refreshments will be served. EASTERN PROJECTS invites the public to come and engage with these extraordinary works of art and explore the vibrant artistic community thriving in California. This show is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of artistic expression in capturing the nuances of our lives.
California has long been a beacon of creativity, and this exhibition seeks to highlight the unique perspectives and techniques of artists who have made their mark on the contemporary art landscape.
Los Tres Caballeros, 2020 Oil on Canvas | PRICE: $4,000
