Jaide Garcia - Genius Loci: "Artistic Spirit"

THIS first picture says so much about the hidden spirit of L.A. because it captures how amazing aspects of the city are underrated. The Watts Towers are a huge landmark being represented on a tiny sign that shares a post with a "Dead End" sign, adding irony to the location. The Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center is another development in the area worthy of more attention. 

I went to South Central to find the hidden spirit of L.A. The community of Watts has so much history and culture that makes it a target for attention. Unfortunately, most of that attention is negative. After the Watts Uprisings in 1965 the neighborhood's reputation has gone from bad to worse. If you google Watts or Compton the first things to pop up are articles about gangs, the historical 'Riots' or NWA. However, in recent years the community has set out to re-establish itself and draw attention to the professional athletes, musicians and artists that it has produced. The Watts Towers have served as a symbol of pride and have spurred many artistic developments in the area. The sad thing is that the towers are mainly known internationally and by those proximally close to the community. I grew up near L.A. and I had never heard about the towers until this year. Many native Angeleno's that I've talked to didn't know what they were either! Yet they are recognized internationally as a great piece of art and visited by foreign tourists all the time.

--The second picture is self-explanatory and reveals the lack of care shown to our city's up-keep.--

A sight like this is definitely common while walking the streets of L.A. As depressing as it is it still represents the spirit of the city because of the consumerism followed by waste that is prevalent here. There is a lack of pride in the presentation of neighborhoods and streets that is evident through the mediocre response of tourists. When people visit L.A. what they see is what they get, but usually not what they expected. It may be embarrassing and yet we all still contribute to it.

--The third and fourth pictures capture the 'street art' that is popularly found in the L.A. area.--

There is real beauty to be found in these pictures. I am the least artistic person in the world so when I see things like this on the side of the road I am amazed before I am irritated. The spirit of this neighborhood in particular is displayed in the art found all over its city. Many graffiti artists have one way to share their voice and this is the only way they know how to be heard. In the same way there are many people who come to L.A. to pursue their form of art and follow their passion, even if it is misunderstood by those around them.

--The fifth and sixth picture are of a house and art center on 107th street in Watts. Many of the houses have unique styles and patterns on them in light of the towers that are directly outside their window. The art building was painted by members of the community over 30 years ago and is now used by their children.--

As disconnected as L.A. may be, there are still areas with a strong sense of community. The multiple areas within L.A. each have their own identity, but it is a collective identity. Areas such as Watts, Glendale, La Mirada, Yorba Linda and many others are segregated by ethnicity. As much as I don't like the segregation, I respect the close environment found in those places. There is so much individuality represented within the region that creates its own distinctive atmospheres and this picture represents one of the strongest cases of community spirit.

Last but not least, this location hidden at the end of 107th street in Watts represents the spirit of cultural diversity found in L.A. Although the neighborhood is predominantly African American and Latino, it once was home to people of German, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese descent as well. It was truly a cultural melting pot that served to bring people together and connect the creative aspects of many backgrounds. This neighborhood was a part of the "California Dream" that attracted many travelers and immigrants in the early 20th century. L.A. may lack many things, but the spirit of diversity will always be prevalent no matter where one finds themselves.

--J.Garcia