California Locos
The California Locos, a collective of influential Los Angeles artists, are showcasing their vibrant subcultural art at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, California. This exhibition highlights the unique blend of surf, skate, and street culture that has emerged from Southern California, a region known for its rebellious spirit. The event runs concurrently with the Oceanside Museum of Art’s (OMA) exhibition, “Surf Art: Exploring California’s Coastal Culture,” which emphasizes the Locos’ significant contributions to contemporary art.
Founded in 2011 by artist and cultural figure Dave Tourjé, the California Locos bring together a diverse group of artists, including Chaz Bojórquez, John Van Hamersveld, Norton Wisdom, and Gary Wong. Their collective works span various genres, including fine art, graffiti, and punk rock, reflecting the rich tapestry of Southern California’s history and culture. Tourjé noted, “Galleries and museums used to overlook this kind of work. Now, it’s completely embraced. But as we gain widespread legitimacy, we also need to protect authenticity.”
This artistic evolution traces back to the late 1950s, when surfing became synonymous with counterculture. The California Locos have drawn from this history, infusing their work with experiences from the Chouinard Art Institute, a radical institution that shaped many influential artists of the 1960s. Tourjé remarked, “In the ’60s, surfing represented counterculture, and Chouinard was a radical fine art institution that Wong, Van Hamersveld, Wisdom, and Bojórquez attended.” Their contributions have not only been recognized in galleries but have also influenced global branding and even Olympic design.
Artistic Legacy and Cultural Impact
The dual exhibitions at the California Surf Museum and OMA underscore the California Locos’ role in shaping Southern California’s cultural identity. Their recent book, “California Locos Renaissance and Rebellion,” explores the interplay between fine art and street culture, further solidifying their impact on contemporary art. Tourjé emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “I see this show as inclusion and validation. But we need to ask who’s telling the story.”
The exhibition features several notable works, including Norton Wisdom’s “Skate Goddess” (2015), Dave Tourjé’s “4RGRWEBDR” (2023), Chaz Bojórquez’s “La Mix” (1997), John Van Hamersveld’s “The Next Wave” (2024), and Gary Wong’s “Pataphysique” (2022). These pieces exemplify the fusion of high and low art that characterizes the Locos’ approach, bridging the gap between fine art and street expression.
Tourjé’s own journey reflects the broader transformation of the Los Angeles art scene. Raised in Northeast LA during the surf, skate, and punk explosion of the 1960s and 1970s, he combines his multicultural heritage—his mother hailing from Mexico City—with formal artistic training from UC Santa Barbara’s College of Creative Studies. This background informs the bold compositions that resonate with the essence of Southern California.
Preserving Authenticity in Art
The California Locos have transitioned from creating art in the streets to being featured in prestigious galleries and museums. “We’ve gone from the concrete drainage ditches to galleries and museums,” Tourjé said, highlighting the significant progress made by the collective. As institutions seek to capture the creative spirit of Southern California, the Locos aim to protect the authenticity of their cultural legacy.
Tourjé concluded with a reminder of the multifaceted nature of Southern California’s identity: “The SoCal legacy isn’t just surfboards and sunsets — it’s punk rock, lowriders, street art, multiculturalism, and creative defiance. That’s what makes LA unique. That’s what we represent.”
The exhibitions at both the California Surf Museum and Oceanside Museum of Art will remain open to the public until February 2026, offering an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage that the California Locos embody.
About the California Locos: The California Locos is a multicultural Los Angeles art collective formed in 2011, featuring acclaimed artists who have significantly influenced contemporary and counterculture art in Southern California over the past fifty years. Their works blur the boundaries between fine art, street culture, and everyday life, defining the essence of West Coast artistry in the 21st century.
About the Oceanside Museum of Art: Established in 1995, the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) fosters community engagement through contemporary exhibitions and educational programs that celebrate Southern California’s diverse cultural heritage.
About the California Surf Museum: Founded in 1986, the California Surf Museum chronicles the history of surfing and wave riding, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually from over 40 countries. The museum’s extensive collection includes rare archives that provide a comprehensive view of surfing history.
