HB7: Cruising

Plummer Park, West Hollywood

Ismael de Anda III, Love Duster, 2016 – 2023, wood, canvas, latex enamel, steel hinges, dimensions variable

Opening

Sept. 16, 2023, 5-9pm

Location

Plummer Park North Lot
1200 N. Vista St.
West Hollywood, CA

High Beams, the revolutionary art initiative that rumbled onto the LA art scene with a rooftop art exhibit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, returns with a new chapter — HB7: Cruising.

On Sept. 16, 2023, 20 visionary artists converge at the north parking lot of Plummer Park, West Hollywood, to create an immersive, walk-through art experience that is both thought-provoking and exhilarating.

In the face of adversity during September 2020, High Beams conceived its first rooftop exhibit, allowing people to indulge in art safely by cruising through the display with their car windows rolled up. By HB7, High Beams has evolved into an extraordinary walk-through event that preserves the same sense of exuberance that defined its inception.

The chosen location for HB7 holds significance beyond its artistic appeal. Parking lots have historically served as meeting spots for “cruisers” seeking camaraderie before parties or rendezvous with anonymous partners. The term “cruising” resonates deeply with West Hollywood, where the Sunset Strip witnessed muscle cars’ glory and Vaseline Alley became synonymous with clandestine encounters.

While possibly more tame than their historical analogs, the “cruisers” at HB7 walk through a temporary art garden that is wide-ranging and interactive, reflective of a city as diverse as the work, while paying homage to West Hollywood’s legendary nightlife.

The collection of art showcased at HB7 encompasses a broad spectrum of themes, offering powerful perspectives on contemporary issues. Artists explore themes such as trauma, anxiety, the looming planetary crisis, body autonomy, and eco-feminism, sparking important conversations and self-reflection. Additionally, some creators delve into themes of hedonism, pleasure, and simple comfort, providing a much-needed respite from the overwhelming influx of anxiety-inducing news.

HB7 fosters a creative haven, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to find solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of community. Through thought-provoking exhibits and interactive displays, High Beams encourages visitors to delve into their emotions, engage in meaningful dialogue, and leave with a profound sense of connection to the art and each other.

The term “cruising” resonates deeply with West Hollywood, where the Sunset Strip witnessed muscle cars’ glory and Vaseline Alley became synonymous with clandestine encounters.