The Joshua Tree Chronicles AI Images by Edwin Vasquez
February 6 – April 1, 2024
Reception: March 21, 7-10pm
The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

The City of Santa Clarita is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition, “The Joshua Tree Chronicles AI Images,” by artist Edwin Vasquez. This multidisciplinary series, running from February 6 through April 1, with a special reception on March 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., delves deep into the existential narrative of Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia), a symbol of endurance in the arid landscape of the southwestern United States.

Edwin Vasquez, through his AI-generated images, brings a new perspective on the plight of Joshua Tree in the Antelope Valley. His work is a poignant commentary on the ecological challenges faced by this iconic tree, including climate change, habitat loss, wildfires, and human activities.

“The Joshua Tree Chronicles AI Images” is more than an exhibition; it’s a journey through the possible futures of these majestic trees. Vasquez’s AI-generated images offer a glimpse into worlds where the fate of the Joshua Tree isn’t left to chance. The series includes dynamic videography, enhancing the narrative with visual sequences that evoke empathy and awareness about the urgent need for conservation.

The exhibition is an invitation to embark on a contemplative journey, exploring the resilience and struggles of Joshua Tree as a reflection of broader ecological crisis. Join us at The Main for this exhibition that blends art and environmental advocacy, encouraging us to confront our collective responsibility towards natures.

To schedule a private viewing of the artwork, please contact Jeff Barber JBARBER@santa-clarita.com. 

How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged after the show ends on April 1, 2024.
Edwin Vasquez | repollo98@att.net | www.edwinvasquez.net

Q&A with Edwin Vasquez

Hi Edwin, thank you for exhibiting with the City of Santa Clarita. Tell us, what motivates you to create?
As an artist and writer, I want to leave a legacy for future generations to come. As an immigrant I want to create art that talks about important issues, so future artists can continue speaking on behalf of those who have no voice.

What these do you pursue in your art?
At the beginning I focused on the social political issues affecting my community and as much as I want to create something different, politics are always the main cause of the problems affecting our country. Even in this series of the Joshua Tree, some politicians voted against the laws protecting this trees because they argued there is not space to build in the desert.

What is your favorite piece of work that you’ve created?
It is very difficult to select one. Perhaps the most meaningful was a collage I made during the lockdown in 2020 entitled New World Fashion which I showed at the Brand 48. The art piece won the Associates Award.

How do you come up with ideas for new pieces?
I read and write a lot, and often, a word or a phrase lets me think of the possibility of making a series of paintings. With artificial intelligence it has become easier to explore those ideas because I can write a prompt and have almost instant images that I can use as a reference for future work.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?
For these project, I received a grant from MHR Foundation for Artists; Dr. Betty Ann Brown wrote an essay about my work; Art writer Genie Davis wrote a review of my work; and UCLA Chicano Studies selected my project to kickstart their art shows. Some awards I have received are listed on my website edwinvasquez.net