rafa esparza
Ceramic tile, grout
Dimensions: 19.75 x 19.75 x 1 in.
$8,500
In this new Hammer Benefit Edition, rafa esparza creates a work that brings together his blue ball point drawing practice and the traditional ceramic tiling technique known as azulejos. The work memorializes queer LA clubs that have been casualties of gentrification within the last 15 years. These clubs were historic institutions that left an indelible mark on queer communities of color. The image featured in this work, depicts a tender moment outside of the exterior facade of The Circus, the first queer club that rafa ever attended.
The ball point pen drawings, an art form innovated by incarcerated artists in prison, is known as paño art. Additionally, the azulejos tiles are ceramic tiles widely considered to come from Portugal but actually have origins in Mesopotamia. The fired ceramic tiles were used to both adorn and protect mud dwellings from weather - relating to rafa’s adobe works. The tiles also have Chinese influence after Chinese porcelain became popular in the 17th century. These architectural adornments have carried over into Latin America where rafa first encountered them in Mexico City’s Casa de Azulejos.
The custom set of tiles is a limited edition of 20 plus two artists proofs. One AP will be in the permanent collection of the Hammer Museum.