For Immediate Release

June 26, 2018

Rafael Cardenas featured in talk with LACMA curator Eve Schillo

Final weeks to view Cardenas’ Backyard Tableaux exhibition at Vincent Price Museum

June 26, 2018 - (Los Angeles, CA) - Photographer, Rafael Cardenas will join curator Eve Schillo as part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art  talk series on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Entitled, Approaching the Everyday: Rafael Cardenas, Mariana Yampolsky, and Photography, the conversation will draw parallels between Cardenas’ current work and that of Mexican photographer Mariana Yampolsky (1925-2002), both currently on view at the Vincent Price Art Museum (VPAM).  The talk will take place at 6 pm at VPAM 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754.

The event is one of two final programs in conjunction with Cardenas’ first solo museum show, Backyard Tableaux, running through July 28 from 12-4pm, Tuesday through Saturday at VPAM.

“In today’s highly charged political climate, I am intrigued to think about the value in documenting regular, everyday moments that are happening at the same time as unbelievable current events. I’m honored to share a conversation with Eve about parallels between the work of such a respected photographer who captured daily life in Mexico and my images of communities in Los Angeles,” said Cardenas.

On Thursday June 28th at 6pm, Cardenas will be in conversation with Los Angeles County Museum of Art curator, Schillo who curated the Yampolsky exhibition as part of LACMA’s On-Site: Neighborhood Partnerships with the Los Angeles County Museum.

Backyard Tableaux, inspired by people and places Cardenas is deeply connected to, captures intimate backyard scenes from homes across the eastside of Los Angeles. From portraits to still lifes, the images are an inside look at moments of celebration and a slice of Los Angeles urban life. Cardenas, known for his striking black and white street photography, opted for vivid color images to tell this story.

Mexican photographer Mariana Yampolsky captured the beauty and desolation of Mexico and its history. American born, she moved to Mexico at the age of 19 and built an artistic practice honoring the cultural, natural, and architectural elements that fed her spiritually and inspired her to become a Mexican citizen. Combining a straightforward photo-documentary style with a poetic approach, Yampolsky has described her gaze as matching her imagery—precise and delicate, never overtly strident and always respectful. 

The final closing exhibition event:

Artist walk-through with arts and culture writer, Carolina A. Miranda Saturday, July 28, 2018 2:00 – 3:00 pm at VPAM. This special event with the artist will be the final opportunity to view the exhibition. 

On-site Neighborhood Partnerships with Los Angeles County Museum of Art  is supported by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation.

About the Artist

Rafael Cardenas was born in Jalisco, Mexico and raised in East Los Angeles. His work has been presented in solo exhibitions at Eastside Luv and Espacio 1839, and in group exhibitions at Avenue 50 Studio, La Bodega Gallery, Self Help Graphics & Art, and the Vincent Price Art Museum. Cardenas is a self-taught photographer who has been practicing since 2010. A publication of his works, MAS ACA: Further Here, was released in 2016.

For more about Rafael Cardenas,  rafa.LA, VPAM, LACMA

Media Contact:
Tanya Diaz:   tanya.diaz@gmail.com
510-984-4947 or 323-854-6178