In this episode of the Paranormal Borders Podcast, we sit down with Albert Lopez Jr., a multidisciplinary artist and the Director of Installation at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). Albert takes us on a journey through his upbringing in Santa Ana and his early visits to Tijuana, sharing how these experiences shaped his artistic vision. He also delves into his impactful work, including The Death of Apollo Creed, which was featured in the 2009/10 Mexicali Biennial at the Casa del Túnel Art Center in Tijuana.
Albert’s art explores themes of cultural identity, personal history, and the intersection of the ordinary and extraordinary. He creates immersive, interactive experiences that provoke thought and spark conversation. In this episode, Albert reflects on his childhood memories of Tijuana in the 1980s and compares them to his visits in 2009-2010, a period when the city was ravaged by cartel violence and over 1,100 homicides in 2010 alone. This stark contrast offers a powerful backdrop to the Mexicali Biennial exhibition at Casa del Túnel, adding deeper context to his work.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Albert Lopez Jr. as he shares his creative journey, the evolution of his art, and the powerful stories behind his pieces. The PARA/normal Borders Podcast is made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation. Join us for more amazing content from the Mexicali Biennial!
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Visit Albert Lopez Jr. at https://www.albertlopezjr.com/ and Instagram @tacosalamicroonda Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!