Public Space MVAW Community Art Gallery “Love is Action – RIOT!” Opening
Mar Vista Art Walk (MVAW) has a new Community Art Gallery that is public and not a private for profit Space. On May 4th they opened their first show called “Love is Action – RIOT!” The space is located at 12804 Venice Blvd, Mar Vista, 90066. I apologize for the delay in writing this article, though I am not obligated to do so, I got very sick at for a few weeks with a sinus infection.
The mission statement for the new space is written clearly on the wall. The space is not limited to art and has a sound recording studio.
“Love is Action -Riot” is a “political love letter from art,” showing how political art is an “act of radical love.”
The artists involve with this show are diverse and yet all reflect the culture of the Los Angeles community. For example this pretty image called “Flower Field” reminds me of paintings from the traditional impressionist area, but it was made by DJ Neff with spray paint. DJ Neff along with fellow artist Paul Ramirez has created a spray can recycle program, turning empty spray cans into art. They have a recycle bins at the Venice Walls and are supported by the City of Venice and STP Foundation. Their effort is called Can Love. 
Interesting for me is that one of the artists in residents is actually a native of Washington D.C., Erik Charlot. Los Angeles is not a city that excludes. Charlot is one of the organizers of the Mar Vista Art Walk. He comes from a family that emigrated to the states from Haiti.
Gabe Gault captures the spirit of political love by painting portraits of today’s heroes in the movement to create change as can be seen in these paintings of gun control advocate Emma Gonzalez and outspoken rapper Tupac. 
Royal was born in Oahu Hawaii, now living in Los Angeles. His work includes iconic images such as the little boy facing away. At the heart of his work is social justice and touch on subjects from personal experience to current events. 
Miles Regis, another contributor to the exhibit, is from Trinidad. Regis works in mixed media, combining paint and texture collages of fabric and textile material. Regis also creates wearable art, perfume, and is exploring the world of Virtual Reality. Like the other artists in this collection, his work reflects themes of social change and radical love. In particular this piece of a gun made of pretty colors with the quote “It never ends this pretty.” 
The final artist in the show is Karlos BUMPS Marquez, born and raised in the Pico Union region of Los Angeles. He often has created work under the pseudonym “Kartoon.” Samples of his vibrant work can be found on his website including samples of a series he has done called “love.” Marquez believes in giving back and is very active in the community as well as known in the graffiti art work having collaborated with artists like Joe “Prime” Reza and Khris Cunz.
