Systems of Power/Systems of Silence
Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, The Los Angeles Makery is a vital creative anchor where the boundaries between fine art, craft, and technology are intentionally blurred.Its current exhibition, Systems of Power/Systems of Silence, serves as a heavy, conceptual counterpoint to the more whimsical shows in the building.This curated collection investigates the invisible frameworks of authority—exploring how institutional power is exerted through both overt control and the strategic enforcement of silence. It is a space designed to challenge the viewer’s sense of agency, showcasing artists who deconstruct the infrastructure of the surveillance state.
Hiding in Plain Sight
In this environment of institutional scrutiny, my piece Hiding in Plain Sightacts as a tactile exploration of tactical invisibility. The work utilizes a maximalist layering of animal prints, topographical maps, and geometric textiles to create a state of visual “noise” that both attracts and obscures. At its center, a singular, watchful gaze remains constant—a consciousness surviving within the static of a data-saturated world. It is an inquiry into the modern paradox of visibility: the idea that in a landscape of pervasive monitoring, the most effective form of resistance is not to disappear, but to become part of the noise itself.
The Makery’s Creative Ecosystem
Beyond its curated gallery walls, The Makery operates as a robust “makerspace” and community laboratory. It provides artists with the high-level tools and infrastructure needed for professional fabrication, including a darkroom, woodworking equipment, and ceramic studios. The space is a constant hive of activity, hosting everything from “Trashion” fashion shows and activist sign-making workshops to technical classes in jewelry making and book arts. By offering memberships and studio rentals, The Makery ensures that Los Angeles remains a place where “making” is an accessible, community-driven act rather than an isolated pursuit.