He called these works of art ‘cultural vehicles’ (pun intended!), as they carried with them embedded statements about culture. Whether his work bonked you on the head with a wittingly obvious notion or took you down the path of a nuanced and obscure reference, there is one thing we can be sure of: he loved to start a conversation and instigate debate. He always encouraged us, through his work, to take a deeper look at the world around us and explore the meaning we give it.

So, we hope you will join us as we continue to honor and celebrate his legacy by exhibiting a selection of his most car-centric artwork. Please see below for more details on the exhibit and feel free to pass along.

Oceanside Museum of Art Press Release
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Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, Our Family Car

CRUISIN’ CALIFAS: The Art of Lowriding

May 13 – September 30, 2012
Singh Family Gallery

Preview Reception

Saturday, May 12
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Complimentary OMA members
$10 Nonmembers

Artists @ Work: Manuel Cisneros

Learn about the art of pin-striping during
Manuel Cisneros’s demonstration
Thursday, June 14
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
$15 OMA members
$20 Nonmembers

Walk and Talk with Guest Curators
Carlos C. de Baca and David C. de Baca

Hear Lowrider stories and learn more about the artists
and artwork in the exhibition
Saturday, July 14
2:00 p.m.
Complimentary OMA members
Complimentary with museum admission

The personalized automobiles known as “Lowriders,” are part of a subculture whose aesthetic tendencies cross over into the world of fine art. Lowrider describes a car that is typically customized with a hydraulic setup to be low to the ground, with an elaborate paint job, striking chrome features and uniquely designed upholstery. But this term reaches beyond cars, and has become a cultural phenomenon and way of life for many people. Today Lowrider culture can be seen not only in cars and motorcycles, but also in sculptures, photography and paintings as a way for people to express their individuality and cultural pride. This exhibition will feature a display of several full-size cars and motorcycles that have been created in the Lowrider style. Accompanying the vehicles will be paintings and sculptures made by the vehicle designers and owners and other prominent artists influenced by Lowrider culture in their artwork. Featured artists include Teen Angel, Mike Pickel, Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, Jae Bueno, David Avalos, Bobby Ruiz, El Moises, D.A. Garcia, Victor Cordero, Eddie “Swoopy” Galindo, Aztek, Howard Gribble, Pedro “Rooster” Rayos, Salvador Gonzalez, Ulises Vasquez, Armando Flores, Estevan Oriol and Eriberto Oriol, among others. This exhibition is guest curated by Carlos C. de Baca and David C. de Baca.

The title of the exhibition, Cruisin’ Califas, refers to Lowrider culture in California and the favorite pastime of the Lowrider – cruising! Califas is a slang term that refers to California amongst the Latino culture with roots that going back to the mythological land of Calafia that inspired the naming of California. Largely associated with the rise of the automobile industry and the post WWII manufacturing boom, Lowriders became a popular way for people, mostly without the means to purchase a brand new car, to express their individuality and cultural pride. Lowrider describes a car that is customized with a hydraulic setup to be low to the ground, with an elaborate paint job that often includes pin striping and lettering, with striking chrome features, and uniquely designed upholstery. Classic cars such as Chevrolet Impalas and Master Deluxes are often associated with this culture, but today, any type of vehicle can be transformed into a Lowrider, from motorcycles to bicycles, SUV’s and tricycles. Reaching farther then cars; this phenomenon has become a way of life for many people, influencing the style of the artists involved in this exhibition.

Featuring a 1950 Chevrolet and artwork from the late Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, the 1938 Chevy Master Delux, the pin-striping and airbrush artwork of Victor Cordero, the El Revolucionario motorcycle of Rick Alvarez, the hubcap sculptures of David Avalos, pen and ink drawings from Eddie Galindo, a motorcycle and paintings by Salvador Gonzalez, the art of Teen Angel, model cars, memorabilia, cruising music compiled by well-known radio DJ and Lowrider ‘Xavier the X-Man’ and much more.

San Diegans Carlos and David C. de Baca have been involved in the Southern California car culture for more than 25 years. They have developed many local automotive-oriented shows, including the “Bajitos y Suavecitos” Lowrider exhibition featured at the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park. The exhibit is touted by the museum as the most successful in terms of the number of visitors and admissions. Based on the success of the show, Carlos was recruited by that museum’s Board of Directors where he is currently an active board member. David has been featured and interviewed on many local and national television shows to discuss Lowrider history, style and culture.

This exhibition is made possible by the generous support from Rudy and Elizabeth Van Hunnick, and David and Jan Arnold.
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What: A Memorial for Gilbert Sánchez Luján aka “Magu”

Where:  East LA Civic Center, 4837 E. 3rd Street, East Los, Califas, 90022

(Google Mapa: http://g.co/maps/9qfd)

**METRO GOLD LINE ACCESSIBLE**

When: September 11th, 2011. Arrive at noon for 1pm services.

Event will conclude at 6pm, but park will remain open until dusk.

**FREE PARKING UNTIL 8PM**

Be Prepared*:

• Understand that a large portion of the seating area will be in the sun. Bring a short umbrella or hat for shade. Please consider other people’s view.

• Bring a blanket to sit on the grass or cushion for the concrete steps. Limited chairs will be available for those who require one.

• Feel free to create or bring a small, personalized item or photo to add to the memorial installation. (A simple art station will be provided on-site to create one)

• Think of your favorite “Magu” stories to tell on stage or into our recording station. Have something special to present? Contact Rosamaria at 323-635-9125.

*YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/mRhHs-oCiSU

**Light meal & beverages will be served**

Wanna volunteer? We need you!
contact@magulandia.com

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the Luján family asks that you donate to the preservation of his artistic legacy.

Checks payable to “Magulandia Fund.”

More details on the right hand side of this page.

We hope to share this special event with you!

Questions?
contact@magulandia.com
213-986-MAGU

The post More Memorial Details and Flyer appeared first on Magulandia.

Arrive at noon for a 1pm start time for the services.

More details will be announced soon.

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