This past weekend, Hypeart held a momentous exhibition dedicated to the vibrant immigrant communities that make up the city of Los Angeles. Named Love Letters to LA, this collective showcase beautifully reflected the personal journeys of each artist, their distinctive use of materials, and the narratives and societal messages woven into their creative expressions.
A portion of the proceeds from the art sales went to support local charities, including Dreamhaus LA, LA Food Bank, and Direct Relief. Additionally, a special collaborative T-shirt by DREAMHAUS was created for the event, which took place from October 12 to 16.
With the generous support of the Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac, Love Letters to LA aimed to further Hypeart’s mission of highlighting innovative and diverse artists, providing them with a platform to display their cultural contributions that have helped shape Los Angeles and its communities. The private opening reception for the exhibition saw the attendance of over 300 guests, including local celebrities like Chace Infinite, Taz Arnold, and more. The musical vibes were curated by DJ Horsepowar, creating a dynamic atmosphere in the midst of the diverse artworks on display.
SIZED STUDIO in East Hollywood served as the exhibition’s venue, featuring sculptures by Taylor Lee and Edmund Arevalo, paintings by Alfonso Gonzalez Jr., Jacob Rochester, Mike Reesé, and Daniela Garcia Hamilton, along with multimedia works by Patrick Martinez and Nikkolos Mohammed.
One standout piece was Alfonso Gonzalez Jr.’s “Figeroa Beauty” (2020), a painting resembling the façade of a weathered beauty salon, symbolizing the city’s diverse communities and ever-changing landscape. The piece pays homage to Figueroa Street, a thoroughfare stretching from Downtown’s Financial District to Northeastern LA, capturing the beauty salon and the cultures that converge along Figueroa Street. Moreover, Nikkolos Mohammed’s “Cage 2 (26)” (2022) was a work on view that is part of an ongoing series in which the artist reclaims hybrid identities through creating contrasting forms.
Central to the exhibition were three voluminous sculptures by Korean-American ceramicist Taylor Lee, inspired by Japanese action dramas featuring superhuman characters, robots, and monsters. Lee’s hand-sculpted clay artworks, including her “Strong Women” series, embody female strength and resilience, exemplifying the triumph over challenges.
The Love Letters to LA exhibition, sponsored by Bisquit & Dubouché and organized by Hypeart, not only celebrated the rich tapestry of Los Angeles’ immigrant communities but also demonstrated the power of art to make a positive impact. With over 300 attendees in attendance, this showcase of diverse artistic expressions left a lasting impression, and the charitable contributions from art sales will continue to support essential local organizations. The event serves as a testament to the unity and creativity that thrive in the City of Angels. Learn more about the artists behind the exhibition by reading our special artist spotlight here.
And to learn more about Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac, visit www.bisquitdubouche.com
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