LBCC’s art gallery unveiled its new exhibition, “Sediment/o,” which explores borders and migration. The opening reception took place on Sept. 17, and the exhibit runs until Oct. 24th.
The artist, Omar Pimienta, is a UC Santa Barbara professor, an artist and poet who grew up in Tijuana.
“I’m hoping that maybe it’ll give the viewer another perspective on what humans have done to nurture and how we are hurting it. If I can achieve that to make people better, it would make me feel good and like I’ve done a good job with my art,” Pimenta said when he was asked whether he felt proud that the exhibit was happening and whether he hoped it would motivate the younger generation.
Pimenta’s artwork had deeper meaning, showing natural landscapes, with human creation in the background.
Pimenta, when talking about an art piece that showed two rivers breaking apart that were shared with the United States and Mexico, said, “I perceive both approaches as a reverberating one having tunnels and another not caring about the river, which reveals the cities’ differences, and that pretty much is a shelter for the rivers that divide between Mexico and America, we are imposing our way of living onto nature.”
Pimenta also mentioned that the world is changing, with more storms, heat waves and El Niño.
“Heat waves and storms are starting to become more of an issue, and we as individuals try our best not to waste, but I believe the government has not done a good job of making us less wasteful,” Pimienta said. “Individuals try to do better, but we still waste. But the government is not imposing restrictions on big corporations that also pollute. My artwork shows we need not be as wasteful,” Pimienta added.
Art Gallery Manager, Karla Aguíñiga, introduces artist, Omar Pimienta, at the LBCC Art Gallery opening for Sediment/o on Sept. 17. The exhibition continues Pimienta’s longstanding exploration of borders, migration, memory, and the layered realities of life in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. (Jasmine Rosales)
Art Gallery Manager Karla Aguinga curated and brought the art exhibition to LBCC.
“I want this exhibit to show people how much humans have harmed nature and have the photo be a subtle hint of human trash or concrete being in the photo,” Aguinga said.
Aguinga explained that the exhibit was held to help students and the community connect more with nature by allowing them to photograph the pieces on the wall.
“In a very urban setting like Long Beach, we are often disconnected from nature. We have two rivers that end here in Long Beach, and I’m interested in reminding us that rivers are a source of life and have inspired many of our freeways,” Aguinga said.
The exhibition let guests take a small picture as a reminder of what the exhibit stands for, and Aguinga’s favorite piece was one she was proud to share so people could take an amazing piece of art with them.
In one of the artworks, Aguinga showed an energy drink in a bush, her favorite piece from Pimenta, because it showed how humanity treated nature and hoped the future would not be so wasteful.
“It’s very important for someone to try their best and not become wasteful and not waste a thing,” Aguinha said, hoping to inspire the younger generation.
Many students walked in to see the new exhibit, including Francis Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was a fan of Pimienta’s work, and didn’t want to miss seeing the exhibit in person.
“I’ve seen some of Omar’s work online, and I wanted to come see for myself.” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez also mentions how he tries to notice and appreciate the smaller details of the artwork.
“Humanity is always going to cross a line with nature since we are a part of nature. I mean, having concrete be in the art with nature, it just symbolizes humanity,” Gonzalez.
Gonzalez also hopes that future generations can do their part in preserving nature, “I’m always thinking about how I can be less wasteful and more resourceful, but for some people it’s harder when it’s not the first thing they think about. The younger generation needs to conserve the planet because this is the only planet we have,” Gonzalez said.
Piementa created the art exhibit to show the community how humans have affected nature, and he hopes that by representing that impact through artwork, humanity will change for the better.
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