|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
County CollectionFlorence LibraryFaces of the AmericasArtist:
Ernesto de la Loza
Date:
2010
Region:
Gateway/South LA
District:
Second
Location:
Florence Library
1610 E. Florence Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90001 Department:
Public Library
 
Photos by: Patrick McElhenney | Click for larger photos
Project DescriptionArtist Ernesto de la Loza's radiant mural “Faces of the Americas” crowns the entrance to the Florence Library. The artwork celebrates the Florence-Firestone community and the value of books as a vehicle for discovering different and distant cultures and landscapes. The 540 square foot mural begins with a pictorial history of the origins of the name “Florence” referencing first Florence, Italy, and the history, art and architecture associated with this Medieval city, alongside subjects one can explore within a library such as government and the environment, on the eastfacing wall. On the northfacing wall, recognizable landmarks and portraits of people of the Florence-Firestone community are depicted. “Faces of the Americas” was inspired by the interests of the Florence Library Teen Advisory Council who not only voiced their suggestions for content, but also visited the artist’s studio to have a hand in the painting of the mural. De la Loza states that goal of this artwork is to, “…bring hope, understanding, and harmony to the new and old residents of Florence, Los Angeles.”
About the ArtistErnesto de la Loza is a Los Angeles based artist with over thirty-five years experience in mural making. In the 1970s he made significant contributions to the Chicano mural movement, bringing art to working class communities often encouraging local youth in his art-making. De la Loza is trained in billboard design, architecture and typography as well as airbrush, oil and easel painting. This versatile background has allowed him to demonstrate his talent in various artistic styles across the city. |
|||||||||
