Artists create original works of art inspired by Vacant Lots in El Monte and South El Monte – courtesy of So. El Monte Arts Posse
It’s a very simple project: utilizing formerly discarded objects from one’s backyard, garage, house, and/or items purchased at yard sales or thrift stores artists will create an installation, sculpture, performance, or playground toy in vacant lots throughout South El Monte and El Monte. The aim is to activate otherwise abandoned objects and spaces.
The goal of “ay corazon” is to beautify an otherwise blank or blighted space. When viewing the sculptural piece, the South El Monte audience is meant to insert the image of their personal sweetheart. Also unlike the often illegible quality of elaborate graffiti scrawlings, “ay corazon”’s typeface is a neat cursive that resembles the tidy handwriting many of us were taught in grade school. In addition, the dark chalkboard green color of the tarp that runs against the length of the fence also lends itself to grade the school association. In short, “ay corazon” is a playful project.
Although “ay corazon” was taken down four days after it was installed, numerous residents visited, photographed, and followed its short life. SEMAP will use the photographs, messages, and facebook comments made by residents to curate the short life of “ay corazon.” The photo essay will be on display at Coco Na Dré Café (15852 Main Street, La Puente) starting August 18th.
SEMAP is a collective of artists, writers, urban planners, educators, scholars, graphic designers, photographers, and youth interested in engaging directly with the South El Monte and El Monte community through the arts by rethinking our use of space and transforming how we inhabit it.
For more information or for an interview with SEMAP Director or SEMAP artists, please contact Carribean Fragoza at (626) 652-9198 or email at [email protected].
Please also visit our website: www.semartsposse.wordpress.com
– Submitted by the South El Monte Arts Posse
