The Artwork
Why is There A Liquor Store on Almost Every Corner? 2024
Sculptural installation
Mudtown Farms
On view August 25 – September 25, 2024
Reception: September 14, 2024 | 12PM - 4PM
Terrick Gutierrez’ Why Is There A Liquor Store on Almost Every Corner? is a six feet high freestanding liquor store sign. The installation is an extension of his liquor store series on paper that addresses critical issues including food insecurity, discriminatory land use, zoning practices, and the pervasive presence of nuisance businesses.
Growing up in South Central, LA, Terrick recalls his close proximity to liquor stores while having to travel outside of his neighborhood to find healthy food options. Noticing the concentration of liquor stores in his community prompted him to ask the very question that this work is titled after.
Viewed from a distance, the illuminated sign resembles a traditional yellow and red liquor store sign. As viewers approach, they will notice the sign reads “Why Is There A Liquor Store on Almost Every Corner?” The reverse side features three panels: a map of South Central, a heatmap of South Central-based liquor stores, and a rendering of a liquor store the artist grew up nearby. Viewers can interact with the panels by sliding the handles to overlay the panels.
Terrick Gutierrez (b. 1994, Los Angeles) is an LA-based interdisciplinary artist, creative technologist, activist, storyteller, and curator. He is the child of Belizean and Mexican immigrants. His work explores urban life in LA through the lens of the built environment, such as liquor stores and public housing projects. Social issues including food insecurity, cultural erasure and displacement are themes found throughout his work. His work also explores personal histories addressing topics such as race, identity, and migration.
Gutierrez received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in art from Morehouse College in 2017 and his Master of Professional Studies in Interactive Telecommunications from New York University in 2019. He has exhibited in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles and has work included in East and West Coast private collections.
Terrick Gutierrez was commissioned by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture to create a temporary artwork as a member of the Public Artists in Development (PAiD) program’s Artist Council.