Check Out Our Current Exhibits.
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BARRIO 2100: Generations Into The Future
July – August, 2025
Curated by Consuelo Flores
Armando Norte “Barrio 2000”
Armando Norte – Bio
Animation Artist and Chicano Art Innovator
Armando Norte is a multifaceted artist whose career spans the worlds of fine art and animation. He is prominent figure in the East Los Angeles art scene, where his work reflects the cultural and social dynamics of the Chicano experience. His 1982 screenprint for the “10-year Anniversary for Self Help Graphics’ Day of the Dead” celebration, is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s permanent collection. His 1989 screenprint, “Shadows of Ghosts”, is part of the renowned Blanton Museum of Art’s collection, while his collaboration with artist Consuelo G. Flores in “At Home with the Nortes” —a portrait by photographer Laura Aguilar—honors ancestral traditions through calavera attire, celebrating familial bonds. Norte was also associated with the ASCO collective in the early 1980s, known for its avant-garde performances and multimedia works addressing Chicano identity and urban life.
In 1982, Norte was the principal artist in the seminal art exhibition “Barrio 2000,” at Self-Help Graphics. The art he created depicted the barrios of East Los Angeles in a dystopic future. This exhibit established Norte as a visionary artist whose work reflected an unknown yet tangible future. The iconic image of a “cholo” from the eastside resting against a dilapidated wall with a computer watch on his arm and a futuristic city in the background, foreshadowed present-day multifunctional smart phones and watches.
Beyond fine art, Norte is also seasoned background designer and layout artist in animation. He made significant contributions to the visual storytelling of iconic animated series throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His work includes “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” where he shaped the look of all 114 episodes, and “She-Ra: Princess of Power,” where he designed backgrounds for 93 episodes, expanding the visual universe of the beloved franchise. Norte’s versatility is further evident in his contributions to “BraveStarr,” “The Real Ghostbusters,” and “Mr. Bogus”, showcasing his adaptability across different animated genres.
Throughout his career, Norte has seamlessly blended commercial success with cultural expression, using his art to preserve and amplify the narratives of his community. His enduring impact can be seen in both the animation industry’s visual legacy and the vibrant artistic landscape of East Los Angeles. He currently lives in Los Angeles where he continues to create his art.
Gian F. Norte – Bio
Multidisciplinary Visual Artist
Gian F. Norte is a Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary visual artist known for his striking and
thought-provoking works that explore themes of identity, culture, and urban life. His artistic style
reflects a fusion of fine art, illustration, and digital media, often drawing inspiration from
Chicano and street art. Raised in East Los Angeles and Montebello, Norte’s creative journey has
been deeply shaped by his cultural heritage and vibrant community.
Growing up in a household immersed in the arts, Norte was influenced by his father, an
accomplished artist, and his family's involvement with Self Help Graphics, a renowned Chicano
art center in East LA. This early exposure to the creative world laid the foundation for his
distinctive artistic voice.
Norte's professional journey includes a formative three-and-a-half-year internship with Estevan
Oriol and Mister Cartoon at SA Studios, where he honed his skills in visual storytelling, design,
and creative branding. This experience reinforced his commitment to the arts and propelled him
into a career as a dedicated visual artist.
Over the past few years, Norte has actively contributed to the LA art scene, showcasing his work
in exhibitions across the county. Most recently, his piece LA County Corn was featured in the
Millard Sheets Art Gallery as part of the LA County Fair’s 100th-year anniversary show. His
artworks have become a staple in shows at Tonalli Studios in East LA and other galleries,
including exhibitions with his peers from Art Center in Koreatown.
Beyond his studio practice, Norte has applied his creative expertise in social media and
marketing, notably working with Han Cholo, a jewelry and accessories brand, where he
contributed to branding and content creation.
Gian F. Norte continues to push artistic boundaries, using his work to reflect and challenge
contemporary narratives while paying homage to his cultural roots. Through his evolving body
of work, he remains a vital voice in the ever-changing landscape of Los Angeles' art scene.
Alain F. Norte – Bio
Versatile Illustrator, Concept Artist
Alain F. Norte is a Los Angeles-based visual artist and illustrator known for his dynamic and imaginative works that blend elements of fantasy, surrealism, horror and pop culture. His work spans comic illustration, concept art, and digital painting, showcasing a versatile approach to visual storytelling.
Alain’s artistic journey is marked by his passion for bringing vivid, fantastic imagery to life with roots in realism. His illustrations often feature bold color palettes, and dreamlike compositions, reflecting his fascination with science fiction, fantasy and the human form. His work has been featured in graphic novels, independent publications, and gallery exhibitions, earning him recognition for his distinctive and innovative style.
In addition to his art practice, Norte is an experienced video editor, contributing to various creative film and television projects. His diverse skills in design and multimedia production have made him a sought-after collaborator for both commercial and independent ventures.
A dedicated creative with a forward-thinking vision, Alain continues to push the boundaries of visual expression, creating works that captivate and inspire audiences.
Gallery Hours:
Walk-ins everyday between 1-5PM (closed Fridays) | or by appointment
For questions, please email us at avenue50studio@gmail.com, or call us at (323) 352 3010.
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