Have and Have Nots

It is pouring outside now. Although I must say I love the rain when it is in a humid, tropical climate. The warm torrential rain leaves a pungent smell of rich soil which permeates the air; and a bright rainbow appears reminding me life can be magical at times.

I imagine there is no sense of magic in the air when it rains in the pavement jungle of Los Angeles. At least, not for the homeless people which habitat in makeshift card box shelters. These are incongruously set up, just a few blocks away from lofty lofts, of the artist community in Downtown Los Angeles.

This Thursday, was the 1st time I visited the monthly Art-Walk, which takes place every 2ND Thursday. This open house event showcases the art galleries clustered between 4Th and 5Th on Main Street.

Allow me to summarize: “what the….?”

I have a nagging thought which re-appeared when I meticulously observed a collage of vaginas (not painted) rather cut and pasted from a magazine onto a painting of a flower bush.
My nagging suspicion is that there is an epidemic of: “The Emperor’s New Clothes” syndrome. After all, the most populated gallery is on the corner of 5th and Main, which displayed huge canvases going for say $15K, of simply black oil on canvas. Abstract art at it’s minimal.

Coincidentally, I read on last Sunday's issue of The L.A Times, an article on how LAPD is using strong arm tactics to clear this zone from the undesirables. The article alleged one homeless woman was so seriously beaten, she died.
In Friday's issue of "Hoy," I read that European importers will launch an investigation on allegations of labor abuse of cane field laborers in Brazil. The demand for ethanol, exceeds the supply. Due to the increase demand, these laborers must meet increased quota daily, or be terminated. They work like animals six days a week, for a pittance, while a few people in Brazil "are making gold of sugar canes." This is not only back-breaking labor, it is dangerous as well. They work through fields which have been burnt to control rats, and make the work easier, while this affects their breathing. One laborer was quoted: “We end the long days in acute physical pain.”

If one observes scrupulously, one may see the cracks in the ceiling.

If the art does not move me somehow, I can’t justify its inherent value. If it does touch my psyche, or my soul, I will sit before it and contemplated it for a long time, lost in reverie.
In the case of a certain bronze sculpture, I forfeited eating three decent meals a day, took the Mexico City Metro, and moved from a decent hotel, to a cheap one. No sacrifice was too small to acquire this 1/10 piece by an artist, who I think is brilliant - yet very dark.

The sculpture simply spoke to me.