The phrases "public housing" or "low-income housing" do not generally conjure thoughts of architectural innovation. Instead, one may envision rows of faded pastel cubes surrounded by dead lawns and tall fences, or looming concrete towers gridded with small windows. Both schemes are typically weighted with a grim institutional air, appear to have been built as cheaply as possible, and often address only one problem, shelter, amid many others.
But it doesn't have to be that way, as several recent housing developments in Los Angeles prove. Instead, they pose the question: What if low-income housing was perceived as leading the vanguard of innovative, responsive architecture?
'Artbound's' second season debut examines SoCal art in a 29 Palms marine base, the San Luis Obipso mission, downtown L.A., and South L.A. hip hop culture.
This episode of Artbound features artist Alexandra Grant and French philosopher Hélène Cixous, plus art inspired by the U.S. prison system, a community radio station in L.A.'s Boyle Heights and a performance by Chicano Batman.
This episode of Artbound features the portrait work of artist Shizu Saldamando and Nery Gabriel Lemus, a history of the Melrose graffiti scene, the mapping of Tijuana's burgeoning arts scene and performance by the folk-country band I See Hawks in L.A.
This episode of 'Artbound' features Danny Heller's modern midcentury paintings, Tanya Aguiñiga's "performance crafting," and Shari Elf's Joshua Tree found art gallery.
This episode features artwork inspired by the life and death of Kelly Thomas and an exhibition of origami influenced by scientific and mathematical techniques.
The series premiere focuses on art in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties, including a profile on hijabistas who are redefining Muslim-American fashion.
Artbound's one-hour special looks at Lauren Bon and the Metabolic Studio's "AgH2O" project which connects the elements mined from the Owens Valley, silver and water, to the emergence of the film industry.