“Symbology” Exhibition Unveiled at John Wayne Airport: A Journey Through Art and Symbols

Saturday, March 30, 2024

“Symbology,” a collective showcase opening on March 29, 2024, spotlights the talents of six Latinx artists based in Southern California: Abby Aceves, John Flores, Dani Garcia, Amanda Kazemi, Ivan Virgen, and Jaime Zacarias (also known as Germs). These artists, through their use of pattern, color, iconography, and metaphor, delve deep into traditions, bringing forth artworks rich in cultural narratives and visual intrigue. The exhibition offers a range of artistic expressions, including surrealist paintings, hyperrealistic drawings, and elaborate ceramic sculptures, to its viewers.

Among the featured works, Amanda Kazemi’s “Ancestral Knowledge” stands out with its charcoal medium on MDF and wood panel, created in 2023. Abby Aceves and John Flores together explore themes of humanity’s connection with nature, reflecting indigenous views on harmony, balance, and the sacred aspects of the natural environment.

About her overall artistic practice, Abby shares, “Using figurative elements, symbols, color, texture, and composition, I employ these elements as a language to convey contemporary Mexican culture, a primary source of inspiration. Each character within my mysterious narratives possesses a full and complex personality.”

Orange County-based painter Jaime Zacarias is celebrated for his unique depiction of Luchador figures, blending elements of Mexican culture and Southern California lifestyle, such as the Dodgers emblem, low riders, and the Virgen de Guadalupe imagery. Cheech Marin, a prominent figure in entertainment and art, notably supports Zacarias’ work, showcasing his pieces at the Cheech Center in Riverside, CA.

Amanda Kazemi, a recent MFA graduate from the Laguna Center of Art and Design, presents seven expansive drawings in the exhibition. Drawing inspiration from her Mexican and Iranian heritage and the tales of Aesop’s Fables, her work features animals in narrative scenes filled with cultural symbols and personal items.

This group exhibition, weaving together stories of heritage, community, and individuality, invites attendees to discover the underlying connections across the displayed works.

Visitors can view the exhibition until July 22, 2024, located in the Terminal A Vi Smith Gallery, between Gates 1 and 4, and the sculpture gallery in Terminal B of the venue. Public access is granted through the OCAirPass, allowing those without a boarding pass to explore the exhibition.

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