Omar Ureta / John Urquiza

About The Artwork

Ghost Towns of Los Angeles: Chinatown, 2021, Digital

Los Angeles is made of layers of time and heartbreak. Entire communities are removed from our memories to make room for profit by others. [Chinatown] was originally located near union station and was moved to its present location. Racism played a role in its relocation, sequestering the Italians, the Chinese and the Mexicans of Sonoratown in their present area. Sonoratown, known for its politically active town square, was burned to the ground and buried beneath the creation of new memories; the land was leveled to provide industrial railway space until the construction of the State Historic Park.

Ghost Towns of Los Angeles: General Hospital, 2022, Digital

Los Angeles is made of layers of time and heartbreak. Entire communities are removed from our memories to make room for profit by others. [Lincoln Park] is situated on Tongva land stolen by the Spanish and the white settlers that perpetrated not only one, but two, genocides–after the dominant culture settled and thrived, land was once again stolen by less violent means. The communities around General Hospital and LAC+USC Medical Center have been buried beneath the creation of new memories.

Ghost Towns of Los Angeles: Chavez Ravine, 2022, Digital

Chavez Ravine and Dodger Stadium.