September 28 – November 9, 2024

Rusha & Co. is proud to present LA TINTA NEGRA Y ROJA FORJANDO LAS PALABRAS CON HIERRO, the first solo exhibition by Jimmy Centeno, a South Central native who is an artist, welder, and scholar. Drawing from his local environment, Centeno uses materials sourced from the streets of his neighborhood, as well as the areas surrounding the gallery, to create works that reflect his deep connection to the community and its history.

This exhibition presents a collection of sculptures, assemblages, and mixed media works that transform rescued objects into expressions of self-determination and resistance. Playful yet profound, Centeno’s work draws on a diverse range of influences including de-colonial thought, Mesoamerican mythology, African and Latin American oral traditions, and Global South perspectives.

Through these pieces, Centeno addresses political and philosophical themes, exploring how colonial and modern practices erase historical memories of liberation. The use of rust in his sculptures symbolizes time and labor, reflecting his background as a welder, while his labor-intensive process stands as a metaphor for the working hands behind each creation.  LA TINTA NEGRA Y ROJA FORJANDO LAS PALABRAS CON HIERRO invites viewers to engage with stories of struggle, resilience, and identity embedded in these materials.

“Jimmy Centeno creates the visual that visualizes the social and the soulful. In his art and activism, he brings the Indigenous cultures and  the people of Latin America with those from Africa into conversation.” Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o

Centeno holds a degree in Latin American Studies from California State University, Los Angeles, and is a member of the Association of Philosophy and Liberation in Mexico (AfyL). In addition to his art practice, Centeno is an active writer, curator, and social justice advocate, frequently organizing cultural events in support of these causes.

Artworks

Installation Views