The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimously declared Jan. 24 “Robert Vargas Day,” honoring the legendary Boyle Heights artist and muralist whose works cover multiple building facades in the L.A. area, including his recent “From the Ashes” work honoring the fire-ravaged Altadena community.
“Robert has created numerous iconic public artworks from Athens to Tokyo, including murals that reflect the surrounding community members, their cultural heritage, and historic moments, contributing significantly to LA’s reputation as a global center for public art and creative expression,” according to the motion by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Hilda Solis. “As an artist, Robert has a unique ability to communicate emotions and help people feel seen, as well as giving back to communities and inspiring future generations. He works without the use of grids or preliminary sketches, relying instead on reference images viewed periodically to ensure accuracy in proportion and detail, including the precise rendering of facial features.”
The motion recognized Vargas for his artistic achievements but also for his contributions to community programs and charitable work.
Vargas’ work can be seen around the L.A. area, including his massive tribute to Shohei Ohtani in Little Tokyo, “Fernandomania” in Boyle Heights and his recently unveiled “Nourishing the Community” mural on the Vine Street headquarters of Project Angel Food.
Following the Eaton Fire last January, Vargas created a “From the Ashes” mural at Fair Oaks Burger in Altadena.
“As Altadena residents and business owners alike travel up and down this thoroughfare, Robert’s mural is a constant reminder that disasters do not define us and to keep persevering,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement after the vote. “I deeply appreciate his dedication to our residents and am proud to celebrate the lasting impact he has made on our cultural landscape.”
Vargas is currently working on a mural at Fifth and Hill streets in downtown Los Angeles, which is expected to set a Guinness World Record for the largest mural by a single artist. The 60,000-square-foot work, titled “Angelus,” is described as a tribute to Los Angeles and its residents
“I want to thank my family, my supporters near and far, especially Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Supervisor Hilda Solis and just everyone who’s been a part of my journey,” Vargas said in social media video posted prior to the ceremony. “This is truly a historic moment, not only for my and my work, but also for the collective of art here in Los Angeles.”
The county proclamation will designed Jan. 24 of every year as Robert Vargas Day in the county. The city of Los Angeles previously proclaimed Sept. 8 as Robert Vargas Day in the city, in perpetuity.
The city has also designated the intersection of Pennsylvania and Boyle avenues in the Boyle Heights area as “Robert Vargas Square.”