March 9 through April 27, 2019
Extended through May 18, 2019
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 9, 7-10PM
Bermudez Projects is proud to present Gordon Henderson | Unknown Landmarks, a new exhibit of over 20 paintings on view at Bermudez Projects | NELA/Cypress Park through April 27, 2019.
With his keen eye and mindful sensibility, Henderson masterfully hones in on the magic and charm than emanates from the many iconic spaces seen along Figueroa Street (North of York Boulevard) of the Highland Park neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles.
“Five years ago, I decided to park the car and commute on foot, train or bus from home, in Highland Park. It was an eye-opening experience,” says Henderson (55). “The first thing I noticed was the character of the neighborhood along North Figueroa Street; businesses and buildings I had been driving by for years, but had never taken a close look at.”
Although these sites may be recognizable to the residents, workers, or passerby of the area in everyday life, Henderson’s paintings — ink, gouache, acrylic, and graphite on wood panel — are reminders to consciously slow down from the fast-paced motion of city dwelling. Viewing each 12 x 12 inch piece is an act of mindful contemplation and incites thoughtful awareness of one’s surroundings and the ephemeral quality of their existence.
“The landmarks on Figueroa Street are known to anyone familiar with the neighborhood. But I didn’t take a second look until I was walking,” continues Henderson. “Figueroa Street is a busy thoroughfare; it’s a river of cars, like many Los Angeles streets. It’s easy to miss the many interesting elements that make up the neighborhood, while you’re driving through.”
The artist’s penchant for quirky and wry (albeit observant) social commentary isn’t the guiding force for these paintings. Instead, it is the charm and homemade qualities of the spaces themselves — set amidst the ever-changing, nigh-anachronistic landscape of Northeast Los Angeles from development and gentrification — that has incited in the artist a call to action to document as many of these places as possible.
“These are ordinary businesses; bakeries, bars, auto repair shops, and pizza shops. What distinguishes them for me is the handmade quality of their presentation, from the signage to the buildings themselves,” continues Henderson. “These are mostly independent businesses that have served the local community and reflect the community, as well.”
There’s no denying that Los Angeles is a diverse metropolitan city replete with glamour, Hollywood, sports, and entertainment. Yet, this city is so much more than the newest restaurant, bar, or hot spot.
Los Angeles is a city made up of everyday working people with families and friends who have lived in neighborhoods such as Highland Park, Cypress Park, and Eagle Rock for generations. Many of these Angelenos have grown with the changing city and have worked hard to live the American Dream without having their “name in lights.”
Now, as these neighborhoods experience a new wave of growth (and change), it’s imperative that their existence be documented, appreciated, and respected.
“The stretch of Figueroa that I have documented, north of York Blvd, is not the center of neighborhood commercial activity, the buildings are generally not historic and foot traffic is limited. Still, it’s hard to deny that the whole area is changing and rapidly,” Henderson concludes. “As the neighborhood changes local landmarks, like these, have begun to disappear. With this in mind, I have taken on this project, documenting my favorite places in the neighborhood, as it looks now.”
Gordon Henderson (b. 1963) has been an active participant in the DIY movement since the 1980s. Under the alias, Nib Geebles, he has published books, cards, and the extremely popular Nib Geebles Calendar. His artworks have been exhibited in solo and group shows, and are in held public and private collections. The artist lives and works in the Highland Park neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.
