Jose Parla: It's Yours

The monograph "Its Yours" by José Parlá is published to accompany the solo museum exhibition of the artist at The Bronx Museum of the Arts in New York City. The paintings evoke the artist's connection to the Bronx and address issues such as redlining policies, gentrification, and structural racism. The title "Its Yours" is borrowed from a song by T-La Rock, encouraging viewers to question ownership in the rapidly changing neighborhoods of New York City.

Format: Hardback
Length: 110 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2021
Publisher: Damiani

The monograph titled "Its Yours" by José Parlá serves as a companion to the solo museum exhibition of the internationally renowned artist held at The Bronx Museum of the Arts in New York City. The new paintings in the exhibition evoke the artist's deep connection to the Bronx and address the profound suffering caused by redlining policies, the waves of displacement imposed by gentrification, and structural racism. "Its Yours" encourages viewers to contemplate the evolving dynamics of ownership in New York's rapidly changing neighborhoods. The intricate layering of surface and Parlá's signature gestural line resemble the intricate layers of city walls. The paintings capture the movement, textures, and unique characteristics of neighborhoods, as well as the marks and traces left by individuals and the vibrant energy and challenges of city life.

Parlá's artistic journey began in the early 1980s when he started painting on walls in Miami, using the nickname "Ease." To support himself, he ventured into designing album covers and concert flyers for hip-hop artists. Eventually, he made his way to the Bronx, where he found inspiration and continued to develop his artistic style. The title "Its Yours" is borrowed from a song by the influential Bronx rappers T-La Rock and Special K, both of whom encouraged the listener to take ownership and embrace their cultural identity.

Through his art, José Parlá invites us to explore the complexities of urban landscapes, question the boundaries of ownership, and recognize the impact of social and economic policies on communities. His paintings serve as a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of those who call the Bronx home, and they continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Weight: 1016g
Dimension: 250 x 303 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788862087285