For Black History Month, graduates of the Work of Art program, known as "Enterprisers", were commissioned as working artists to celebrate 10 Black Angelenos currently making their mark in distinct industries.
ink pen on paper, 2021
Lucas Johnson, 18:
“I chose Gabrielle Bullock as my celebrant because I felt a connection to a project she is working on called Destination Crenshaw. I live less than 2 blocks away from Crenshaw Ave, and because her goal is to highlight Black art. With this project she wants to promote the idea of 'growing where you are planted'. I put my own spin on an abstraction of hers, depicting Crenshaw Ave.”
digital illustration, 2021
Noel Quintero, 21:
“I chose to highlight Mike Norice due to his unique message and approach to his artwork. My work can be seen as an homage to his public murals. Having him interact with his much used persona seemed like the right choice as I wanted him to really connect with the artwork he makes. His persona is used all throughout his various artworks and is used as a vessel for positivity and change.”
paint markers on poster board, digital, 2021
Samantha Nieves, 20:
“I chose to honor and celebrate Wallace because of the impact he has on students and the communities he’s involved in. When I think of Wallace, I think of support, growth, and the overall essence of inspiration. We grow, we thrive, we survive, we uplift each other, and most importantly, we live to inspire. The battles we fight and experience can connect us, and Wallace’s role as an educator reflects just that.”
paint markers on poster board, video, 2021
Samantha Nieves, 20:
“This piece includes poetry read by Wallace himself during my artistic process. I chose to make this video to highlight a poem that reflects Wallace’s battle with multiple myeloma cancer. This video displays my process of absorbing the words and elements of Wallace’s battle. "Burgundy Tears" captures details of his internal anatomy, from antibodies to bones, to the poetry that reflects his vulnerability. The use of underlying yellow represents his success and strength throughout his journey.”
short film, 2021
Ruby Barrios, 21:
“Kevin has an understanding that credits aren't what define an actor, but rather the impact we leave behind. As a teacher, Kevin continues to give me courage to be informed rather than identified by the media. Being a Hispanic female raised in a low socioeconomic area, I was always advised to settle or wait for the right doors to open. Despite the stories that are being broadcast, Kevin continues to vouch for my writing and experiences. TV represents the agency we have to consume media and change the narrative.”
short film, 2021
Ruby Barrios, 21:
“Kevin has always shared his gratitude for the learning process and the people he has met along the way with me. By exploring how Kevin was formed into the artist he is today, I am changing what the conventional idea of “success” looks like. The elevator itself shifts the focus to connection rather than “going up” a social ladder. The spotlight pays homage to every performer and the craft itself.”
acrylic on canvas panel, 2021
Jazlyn Archila, 20:
“I chose Pierre as my celebrant because I admire the inclusivity and creativity of her brand. 'Celebration of Body' represents the brand’s focus on presenting fashion as something celebratory and fun. The fashion industry tends to be shown in media as something that’s cut-throat or intimidating, contradicting what the purpose of fashion is.”
acrylic on canvas panel, 2021
Jazlyn Archila, 20:
“My piece, 'Sin Template' (Without Template), is also an homage to the non-conformity of Pierre's brand, No Sesso. I was inspired by the paper model templates used by fashion designers and how there’s no singular model to adhere to. The color palette is inspired by the colors used in one of the No Sesso dresses.”
resin, 2021
Ravin Brazfield, 22:
“My family has been patients of Dr. Hawthorne’s for 15 years. She and the staff at Community Eye Center provide a hospitable environment for their patients in South LA. Dr. Hawthorne’s work is greatly appreciated, especially since she provides quality care uncompromised by cost. This resin statue depicts an optometrist presenting a pair of glasses to the viewer, invoking the idea that vision is a human right, not a privilege.”
acrylic gouache, 2021
Ivy Salazar, 21:
“For thousands of years, flowers have been used to influence our responses and provoke emotions. Whether driven by aesthetics or something else, people have imbued flowers with personal, cultural, and religious significance. I chose to paint Alicia Garza surrounded by flowers to represent her personal journey and how she has bloomed into the political icon she is today. Instead of fearing repercussions or backlash, she is using her intersectionality as a source of power.”
acrylic gouache, 2021
Ivy Salazar, 21:
“As a predominantly Black and Latino working-class community, we're undeserved and don't have access to healthy food options. I like that Kelli Jackson is taking a holistic approach to changing the relationship people have with food, especially since Black and Latino cultures are food-heavy.”
animation, 2021
Ravin Brazfield, 22:
“I chose to highlight Dr. Prescod because I resonate with her philosophy that science is a collaborative human story. She is ambitious and seeks to further our understanding of the universe as a whole. While she researches subjects like dark matter, she is also giving back to the communities she is a part of by highlighting minority scientists.”
digital drawing, 2021
Lucas Johnson, 18:
“I chose Allyson Felix as my celebrant because she demonstrates that anything is possible. At such a young age, she was able to achieve extreme greatness, and I wanted to highlight that so I could inspire others to be great. Because Allyson got a degree in Education and her mom was a teacher, her greatness is partly to serve as inspiration for youth around the world.”
digital illustration, 2021
Noel Quintero, 21:
“I chose to highlight Allyson Felix due to her incredible feats and down-to-earth demeanor. Off the field, her drive to encourage fitness and education for children and others is equally as inspiring. This piece was made to not only recognize her hard work and accomplishments, but also demonstrate the loop of the people she’s hoping to impact and the people impacting and inspiring her.”
Thank you to the Los Angeles Chargers for engaging our young creatives for such a meaningful project!
ABOUT WORK OF ART - SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
The Work of Art program at Inner-City Arts taps into the strengths of the vibrant youth of Los Angeles and supports their journey to assume their rightful place as drivers of the Creative Economy. These budding young professionals provide creative services for hire, under the direction of professional mentors and teaching artists. While employed as “Enterprisers”, they receive training and develop skills that support the development of an abundant and diverse supply of new talent into the creative industries.
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES CHARGERS IMPACT FUND
The Chargers Impact Fund is committed to helping families thrive in and around Southern California. Alex and Faye Spanos firmly believed that a solid family foundation was critical to success in life. That's why in 1995 they created the Chargers Impact Fund to focus on improving the circumstances of families and their communities. Over the years, the Fund has awarded more than $12 million in direct community assistance, including more than $6 million to public schools for badly needed physical fitness, nutrition and athletic programs and equipment. Today, in partnership with Chargers fans, volunteers and donors, the Chargers Impact Fund continues to honor Alex and Faye's legacy by helping to build strong support structures for youth, families, and their communities across Southern California.
