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This article is part of a series on the history of graphic design and social activism in California from Artbound. Produced in partnership with Hyperallergic.
California s culture and art movements have long enjoyed a unique freedom from East Coast and European dogmas. This manifests itself in social, creative and aesthetic realms characterized by experimentation, openness and independence. Graphic design is a key element of defining this California way of life, from the clean, unencumbered lines of mid-century modernism to the flamboyant psychedelia of counterculture posters and publications, and the post-modern graphics of the 1980s and 90s. A mecca of consumerism, it is also a place of great creativity, freedom and social consciousness, where the status quo undergoes constant renovation, writes Louise Sandhaus in Earthquakes, Mudslides, Fires & Riots: California and Graphic Design, 1936-1986. Without solid ground, tradition lacks secure footing; old r
“Southland Sessions” spoke with five different people about how they shifted the focus of their creative organization to keep afloat in 2020 and best serve their community. Beyond the big institutions in the city, these organizations seek to make a difference and uplift while filling the creative needs of the people around them, from teens to adults.
The programming Lopez-Byrd hoped to have in-person has been put on hold, but another purpose emerged for the space. One of the organization’s board members started using the conference room for classes. Other people asked if they could drop in for meetings; college students also use the space. Lopez-Byrd says that TedxComptonBlvd will be using the space for their event as well.