L.A. Lover (Amir Dialameh)
My L.A. Lover series is inspired by, and an homage to, the exceptional city in which I have lived and worked since 2010. Each painting in the series begins with making a graphite rubbing of a manhole cover that reads “L.A. WATER.” In the studio, I transform the text to read “L.A. LOVER.” Then the painting process begins on paper where I employ narrative, symbolic and realistic representations such as plants, text and abstract forms to honor Angelenos who have made indelible and remarkable contributions to this multi-faceted city. L.A. Lover (Amir Dialameh) recognizes Amir’s incredible landscape and gardening work which he began in 1970 after fires ravaged the hillsides of Griffith Park. Amir’s generosity gives hikers a shaded spot to rest, to admire and to grasp the layout of the metropolis below. Using watercolor and acrylic inks, I painted geranium, yucca, and oleander from life and photographs to illustrate the native flora Amir carried and planted with his tools and water. The kaleidoscopic swirls of colors portray the diverse population who continue to maintain and to enjoy the oasis of Amir’s Garden. I use my artwork as a lens through which to celebrate the great achievements of those who make Los Angeles such an enjoyable place to live and to explore for natives and tourists alike. From the notorious to the ebullient, I wish to memorialize through visual storytelling the feats and monuments people have created so they do not go unnoticed and disappear from the posterity of Los Angeles.