Portrait of Gil Veni Vici by © Estevan Oriol, 2016.

Good things take time and we are thrilled to see the homie Gil Veni Vici's much anticipated artshow taking place tomorrow evening at HVW8 Gallery (September 23). Gil first told us about working on the show last December when we were together at Art Basel in Miami. Months later, Gil has managed to bring together some of the most recognized photographers in the industry including ISSUE 04's Estevan Oriol and Patrick Hoelck as well as emerging artists to pay homage to his neighborhood of East Los Angeles with Gil as the creative director and main subject, celebrating his Mexican-American heritage.

The opening reception takes place tomorrow night from 7 to 10PM at HVW8 Gallery (661 N. Spaulding Ave) and will feature a large-scale installation and performance piece in the form of a poker game sequence with characters depicted including opposing gangsters, a decontextualized childhood image of a surreal experience. Local food will be provided by Escuela Taqueria and drinks by Sean B of Serve Mobile Bars. Bradley Souleau, AUSTO, and Allie Teliz will be spinning Oldies and Hip-Hop. Diatribes and flu-wheelers will be on display as well as a piñata and other Mexican-American traditions.

A limited release of Gil’s clothing line entitled 50K will also be available for purchase, alongside a zine and other limited edition goods.