Los Angelitos: Transforming Communities Through Art and Representation
Growing up in Compton, Anthony Lee Pittman noticed the absence of Black and brown angels in the paintings during Mass, which contradicted his belief that holiness also resides in people of color. Inspired by the village of women who raised him, especially his grandmother, Pittman has dedicated his art to showcasing the divinity he always knew existed. He is part of a group of visual artists in Compton who are transforming the neighborhood with their creative and complex work, visible in various locations such as murals at Gonzales Park, A New Beginning Resource Center, Compton High School, and utility boxes along Compton Boulevard and Douglas Dollarhide Drive.
Pittman's project "Los Angelitos" features murals of angels in different cities that have influenced his life and art, including Compton, Watts, Southeast Los Angeles, Inglewood, and South Central. The first mural outside Patria Coffee Roasters has become a symbol of his connection to the community and his exploration of spirituality and urban culture. As he continues to deepen his understanding of these themes, Pittman plans to create more murals in cities with predominantly Black populations across the U.S. and Europe.
Reflecting on his childhood, the writer shares how creativity was ingrained in their family, with influences from both their Black father and Mexican mother. They recall their art class in middle school and the encouragement they received from their teacher, Mr. Aguilera, which fueled their passion for art. Over the years, the writer has embraced their identity as a Black and Mexican artist, navigating the internal struggle of feeling pressured to choose one identity over the other. Through self-discovery and connecting with fellow Afro-Latinos in Compton, the writer found validation and inspiration to create art that reflects their spiritual background and community.
The writer's art focuses on creating figures that represent their identity and spiritual beliefs, challenging the traditional European depictions of sacred figures. They emphasize the importance of making art accessible to the community and resisting gentrification that may exclude longtime residents from experiencing beauty in their neighborhoods. Through projects like "Los Angelitos," the writer evolves their artistic process while staying true to the heart of their practice, incorporating street art techniques like wheat-pasting to connect with their roots and community.
Painting the Black angels in the mural sparked curiosity and positive reactions from the community, reinforcing the project's purpose of showcasing Black spirituality and representation in art. The writer acknowledges the support and recognition they received from the community, highlighting the importance of honoring the cultural legacy of artists in Compton like Elliott Pinkney, John Outterbridge, Charles White, and Richard Wyatt Jr. Ultimately, the writer hopes to challenge stereotypes and elevate Compton's cultural influence beyond its reputation for rap music, showcasing its multifaceted artistic contributions to the world.