Untitled (Works).
MADE IN LA
The Hammer’s biennial exhibition Made in L.A. 2014 features works by 35 Los Angeles artists with an emphasis on emerging and under-recognized artists. It debuts recent work and new painting, installation, video, sculpture, photography, and performances created specifically for the exhibition. Made in L.A. 2014 is installed in every gallery at the Hammer Museum. The exhibition is organized by Hammer chief curator Connie Butler and independent curator Michael Ned Holte. The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive hardcover catalogue, as well as a full roster of free public programming. Till September 7. 
Bruce Lee. One of the participants is Harsh Patel from Kenya. He moved to Texas in 1990 and from there to LA in 2004. 
Untitled (Works). From press release Hammer Museum: “For nearly ten years, Harsh Patel has made work considering the various ways subcultures interact with texts and provide alternative means of distribution. Trained as a graphic designer, Patel publishes his handmade zines and graphic symbols under a range of self-created labels, most recently his 3DX publishing imprint. He borrows from an endless well of appropriated imagery and ideas, showing a wide interest in the iconography of close-knit communities that create their own kind of language. These communities may include religious and political groups, but Patel also draws from the similarly devotional communities of music subcultures—especially from the shoegaze genre from the 1980s and early 1990s. 
Untitled (Works). “It would be inaccurate to refer to Harsh Patel as a graphic designer. While he deals primarily in printed matter and the reproduction of multiples and uses the tools of the designer to create his work – typography, grid systems and iconic vector graphics all feature heavily throughout his portfolio – his motivations are those of an artist and the bulk of his output is not employed commercially.” Harsh spends his time producing handmade publications that explore music, poetry and art using a distinct and personal vernacular of religious and political iconography. Naturally the guys at Nieves identified his talents before anyone else got wind of them and produced a zine of his work in 2011. It sold out pretty quickly, which says all you need to know about the quality of Harsh’s output. 
Untitled (Works). Patel’s publications home in on what makes signs and symbols iconic and instantly recognizable. He possesses an acute understanding how graphic design relates to fandom and how groups use symbols to create identities. By borrowing from popular culture, Patel offers an original way to create new cultures whole cloth, complete with insular meanings and symbols of identification.” James Cartwright in ALRIIIGHT Magazine Copyright pictures: the artist.