On April 28, 'Phase 1' of Los Angeles' Metro Expo line was inaugurated. This new line travels from downtown L.A. out to La Cienega. When I saw news of the line's opening and watched an interview with the artist who's work is displayed at the 'Expo/La Brea' station, I knew I wanted to see the artwork for myself, since he was inspired by a very popular Mexican game, La Loteria.
L.A. Metro gave free rides during the weekend to celebrate the opening. On Saturday, there were over 40,000 riders! Luckily, Fred and I went on Sunday morning when there were fewer people.
To explain, La Loteria is a form of Bingo with a deck of cards, each with a unique picture. When I was studying Spanish in San Miguel de Allende, my maestra (teacher) used the cards to help improve our vocabulary. Within Mexico, the illustrations on the cards are well-known and are featured (usually comically) in Mexican art. I wanted to see how this artist, Jose Lozano, had incorporated the classic images of the game cards into his depiction of Metro riders.
We began our ride at Expo Park/USC and rode past four stations to the fifth, Expo/La Brea. Here are some photos of the trip.
These maps are at each station
We began our trip at the Expo Park/USC Station
Here comes the Metro train
In this video, Jose Lozano talks about the opening of the new Los Angeles Metro Station
La Brea/ Expo with his artwork inspired from the Mexican game, La Loteria. Jose took photos of people riding the Metro system and drew
44 cards that were integrated into panels
with different colors and with his distinctive artist's style background
of faces - all printed on tiles.
La Loteria - This is the Mexican game that inspired the artist's cards
In this game, each player has a card like the one above, similar to Bingo
A few examples of playing cards
When we arrived at the station stop, I was delighted with the artwork. Mr. Lozano made his 'La Loteria' cards come alive with his images of daily train riders. The tiles are mounted in overhead panels, making them easy to see above the heads of crowds--but a little difficult to photograph. I should have brought a ladder!
Here's some close-ups of the 44 cards/riders.
La Artista
El Luggage
Los Boletos (traveler buying tickets)
La Conversaton
La Prisa (hurrying)
The original artwork has been transferred to tile panels with distinctive colorful backgrounds.These are only a few of the panels on display.
One of the many volunteers on hand to help direct riders
Fred being a good sport while I photograph
Each station along the Expo line has its own art theme to view and enjoy. For those in So Cal, I highly recommend an outing and a ride on this new line. In three years' time, 'Phase 2' is scheduled to open and will run all the way to Santa Monica.
