Mario Ybarra, Jr.
You Are Breathing In It...
Course Detail
DescriptionNearly 20 years ago, Mario Ybarra, Jr., his wife Karla Diaz, and friend Juan Capistan, rented an old bakery store front in Los Angeles as their personal studio space post grad school. They called it Slanguage Studio and over the years it morphed into an artist-run space and de facto art school that became what The New York Times called an “ever more important” type of exhibition space. Their three-pronged approach includes education, community-building, and interactive exhibitions. Join Ybarra, Jr. in this live course where he shares the history of Slanguage Studio, as well as how they got started and began working with artists, while taking a dive deep into DIY art spaces and ways to approach it when starting your own. Photo Credit: Lluvia HigueraMeet the PresenterMario Ybarra, Jr.Mario Ybarra, Jr. is a multidisciplinary artist who explores the complex layers of Mexican-American identity through his sculptures, installations, photographs, and activist interventions. Drawing inspiration from street culture iconography and historical imagery, Ybarra creates works that challenge societal norms and shed light on marginalized narratives.
One of Ybarra’s notable works, “Brown and Proud” (2006), merges graffiti art with the style reminiscent of renowned muralist Diego Rivera. In this large-scale piece, Ybarra depicts Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, symbolizing the resilience and strength of the Mexican-American community. By combining elements of street art and political imagery, Ybarra creates a visual language that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of his heritage.
In “Scarface Museum” (2007), Ybarra delves into quintessentially American imagery and popular culture. This installation features paraphernalia from the iconic 1983 film “Scarface,” which tells the story of a drug cartel kingpin during the 1980s cocaine boom. Ybarra displays these objects in a glass vitrine, creating a memorial to one of his late friends. Through this work, Ybarra explores themes of friendship, loss, and the impact of popular culture on personal experiences.
Ybarra’s artistic practice extends beyond the confines of traditional gallery spaces. He often engages in activist interventions, using art as a catalyst for social change. Through his work, Ybarra aims to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive society.
Ybarra’s art has been exhibited at prestigious institutions and museums around the world, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, the Hammer Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His thought-provoking and visually striking works have garnered critical acclaim and have solidified his position as a leading voice in contemporary art.
As an artist, Ybarra continues to push boundaries and explore new avenues of expression. His work serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of the Mexican-American community, while also addressing universal themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through his art, Ybarra invites viewers to question their own preconceptions and engage in meaningful dialogue about the complexities of our shared human experience.