Usen Gandara
Untitled (diptych), 2019
Wood and Linoleum Relief, ed. 60
15”x11” - each

From the Utopia/Dystopia Portfolio Project

Individual print: $250
Pair of prints: $400

Usen Gandara’s Untitled diptych was created in part of the “Utopia/Dystopia” portfolio, curated by artist Miyo Stevens-Gandara. Miyo invited 26 artists to each pick two cards from a full deck, incorporating a diverse range of interpretations and ideas into a single, unified collection. Here, Usen Gandara states:

“As a response to those who would try to erase our history, take our dignity, I present Untitled as an act of reverse colonialism and Chicano Futurism inspired by the murals of East L.A. and Boyle Heights I grew up with. This is the story of a king usurped by the ancient Mayan deity Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, who brings a song of love and celebration of culture via lyrics in Spanish. With love for all, aligned with nature not against it, we will survive and thrive. The golden epitaph marks the demise of the king, reading in Latin and flanked by the rulers of the Aztec underworld Mictlantecuhtli and Mictlancihuatl. Behold the King of Hearts is dead.”

Born in East Los Angeles, California, Gandara continues his work today in the Los Angeles area. He works with a range of mediums, including photography, graphic design, printmaking, and painting. His artistic process is fueled by his ever-expanding collection of found objects and images, which provide content and inspiration. Since 1996 he has contributed to the community as an art director, graphic designer, and freelance artist producing paintings, prints, graphics, books, and magazines for a wide audience, including publishers, retail, television, and on commission.