Exploring the Latino Metropolis: A Brief Urban Cultural History of US Latinos

L.A. Latino Art

The prominence of music and dance in Los Angeles neighborhoods is undeniable. Over the years, Latino people of Los Angeles fused many different types of dance to create their own, unique style.  They primarily collaborated with the African American race to make new music, new fashion, and new dance. This connection with the black race helped to draw parallels between the people and helped to foster bonds of creativity between the two groups. At the time when Latinos were first creating their own culture in California, European Americans discriminated against other races. This frustrated the Latino people of Los Angeles and motivated them to make their culture stronger. Eventually, their fashion, dance and music entered popular culture and succeeded with flying colors. 


The Museum of Latin American Art is like no other museum in America. MOLAA is one of a kind, as it is the perfect combination of modern and contemporary Latin American artistry, making it alive with history and culture. This museum is located in Long Beach, California, just outside of the the city of Los Angeles. According to the museum website, "The Museum of Latin American Art expands knowledge and appreciation of modern and contemporary Latin American art through its Collection, ground-breaking Exhibitions, stimulating Educational Programs, and engaging Cultural Events." The museum holds all kinds of events and workshops for the public. The workers of the museum are always eager for more people to learn about the beautiful art of the Latin American culture.  


However, Los Angeles street art is perhaps the most well-known form of Latin American art in California. A mere few years ago, a ban on public murals was lifted. The new murals are transforming the walls of Los Angeles. For instance, The "Mural Mile" is a 3 mile stretch of land in the San Fernando Valley that is covered with more than 50 amazing murals. Many artists on the Mural Mile and on the rest of Los Angeles are Latino. Artist Levi Ponce is one Latino in the Los Angeles area that has certainly made his mark on the city through his influential street art. Some of Ponce's greatest works are on the "Mural Mile," and they include Mona Lisa in a sombrero, as well as a wonderful portrait of Frida Kahlo.

  



Hawthorne, Christopher. "Latino Urbanism Influences a Los Angeles Influx." Latimes.com. Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2014. Web. 7 Mar. 2016.

Macias, Anthony F. Mexican American Mojo: Popular Music, Dance, and Urban Culture in Los Angeles, 1935-1968. Durham: Duke UP, 2008. 20 Feb. 2016.

Ponce, Levi. Frida Kahlo. Digital image. Mural Mile. Mural Mile, 2012. Web. 21 Mar. 2016.

Ponce, Levi. Mona Lisa in a Sombrero. Digital image. Mural Mile. Mural Mile, 2012. Web. 21 Mar. 2016.

Schuster, Wiebke. Museum of Latin American Art. Digital image. Discover Los Angeles. LA Tourism and Convention Board, 19 Aug. 2014. Web. 21 Mar. 2016.

Showers, Brandon. Las Cafeteras at Eastside Cafe. Digital image. L.A. Weekly. L.A. Weekly, 29 Dec. 2011. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.
 

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