Event Description

During the February and March, 2014, I was asked by The Vex Arts and Cultural Center to curate an exhibit on the Upstairs Gallery, the idea was to create an event that reflected the aesthetic values of The Vex Arts as we propelled ourselves towards the year 2014. The Vex contribution to music as is referenced in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Smithsonian, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and many other art museums and their music history archives.

I wanted to create a duality between the punk rock spirit and the chill attitude of today’s youth. During that time at The Vex we have had a series of old school punk rock events and world music series, it was during one of those events where I met Darby Krow and Erick Yanez aka Dubeejunk!. The unique aspect of their relationship is Darby and Erick is the bond they share with each other, during the interviews each artist spent time talking about the qualities and greatness of the other.

About the artists

Dubeejunk! aka Erick Yanez is a local artist currently residing in Highland Park, his artwork can be described as “sticker art” and “sharpie art”, much of his influences are shaped from his surroundings in East Los Angeles, his artwork comes in all mediums and shapes. One predominant theme in Erick’s artwork is the original cartoon-like characters and faces adorned with colorful background detail, His work a little reminiscent of 50’s Ed Roth creator of Rat Fink. While Erick’s body of work is limited to the commercialization of his entire collection done in small pieces and stickers available for a quick sale, there is no doubt that his work will continue to evolve.

Darby Krow is a multi-talented artist, musician and clothing designer, He finds inspiration in Anxiety, dreams/nightmares, the urge to have to create has always used as therapy. Darby’s subjects stem from Rock & Roll musicians to characters in literature and film. A dark aspect is incorporated in the artwork such as seringes, skeletons, blood and fire. Much of the artwork is fueled by paint pen, paint, documentaries, great music, coffee and cigarettes.

Curated by Omar Holguin of La Mancha Gallery. This event ended on March, 2014 – Thank you to the artist and the public for the participation.