Mike Saijo Wall at CB Gallery
Mike Saijo has a show up at the CB Gallery on La Brea, in the Wilshire district of Los Angeles. I stopped by for the opening on my way to see my friend DJ TY spin some Reggae at The Joint. I had the opportunity to talk to Saijo and ask why he had focused on early 1940′s, Zoot Suits, WWII and Los Angeles. He said he lived in Boyle Heights for a year and was inspired by the community and what had happened there. A part of US history I know little about, this was the epicenter of the struggle between the Japanese, Jewish and Latino communities. It erupted into the Zoot Suit Riots.
Mike Saijo at CB Gallery in Los Angeles.
Having experience how clothing defines a group in contemporary culture and inspires fashion. Saijo was curious about the diversity and commonality we share, as well as what is common and reoccurring from the past. My impression of Mike Saijo was on of a very articulate, warm-hearted, deep feeling young man with a curious nature. You see he has immersed himself in the subject with great curiosity and re-posed some age-old questions.
We spoke a bit about street art as well, and agreed, it might be fun to create a piece of hopeful art together.
April 20th, 2011 at 9:11 PM
Thanks Andrea, correction: its not about the struggle between the ethnic groups, but rather the common struggle that all three groups shared. Everyone pretty much got along harmoniously until the war effort started.
April 20th, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Thanks for the correction Mike!
April 20th, 2011 at 9:14 PM
It was the Navy officers and LAPD who attacked the Mexican population which caused the zoot suit riots.
April 20th, 2011 at 10:10 PM
thanks again!
May 11th, 2011 at 10:40 AM
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