Aaron Douglas Estrada – Se Habla Mierda (July, 2023)

Shoulders-up photo of a person with tan/brown skin, a light beard and moustache, thin framed glasses and a blue hat that reads, "Los Angeles"

Coaxial Arts Foundation is thrilled to announce Los Angeles born & based interdisciplinary artist Aaron Douglas Estrada as our July 2023 Artist in Residence.
Aaron Douglas Estrada will present a collection of previously not exhibited and/or specially curated works in a site-specific presentation titled, “Se Habla Mierda” at Coaxial Arts, featuring an activation by the artist.

Opening Reception
Saturday July 8th, 6:00PM to 9:00PM

Performance
Saturday July 8th 8:00PM

Gallery Open Hours
Saturday July 8th, 6:00PM to 9:00PM
Sunday July 9th, 3:00PM to 6:00PM

More info and RSVP at WithFriends

A sculpture made of barbed wire and tire rim sits on the floor at an upright angle and is connected to a floating brass chain which ends in a handle

Aaron Douglas Estrada (b. 1994) is an artist whose work explores the relationship between the body and its surroundings, moments of play, and the process of decolonization. As a first-generation Salvadorian native of Los Angeles, he draws inspiration from his upbringing in the city and his interactions with diverse cultures and lifestyles. Through his artistic practice, he documents the materials he encounters and captures the energy embedded within them, reflecting collective memories and everyday life. His work serves as repositories for these memories, incorporating songs, sayings, and cultural symbols that carry multi-layered histories into his sculptures, paintings, murals, public artworks, and installations.

The work functions as a growing ethnographic archive for acts of decolonization. This archive is a testament to the rituals, life, death, pain, joy, music, and collective achievements from Los Angeles communities. It focuses on specific locations that hold deep personal significance to me: Downtown Los Angeles/Pico Union, Arlington Heights, and South Central. I have grown up, fought, cried, and lived in these spaces. These spaces are rich with territorial markers, altars, murals, and other remnants that hold a layered history. By documenting these moments of erasure, I aim to preserve memories and spark a dialogue. As a repository for memories, my intent is to both honor and question. The work incorporates salvaged materials collected during drives on highways, walks on streets, random encounters, and gifts from loved ones.

A detail of a cube-shaped sculpture with striped fabric on top and wooden frame. Electronic wires are attached to the box.

This residency is supported by The National Endowment for the Arts, mediaThe Foundation and the Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles

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