On Friday December 7th, Oakland’s Pro Arts Gallery hosted the artist reception for Radical Graphics of Taller Tupac Amaru, the exhibit currently on display at the gallery. The exhibit features original work by artists Jesus Barraza, Tony Carranz, Melanie Cervantes, Estria Miyashiro, and Favianna Rodriguez.

Founded in 2003 by Barraza and Rodriguez, the Taller “pronounced tah-li-ay and means studio or workshop in Spanish” has been creating political graphics for social and community justice organizations since its inception. Inspired by the works of artists and mentors such as Emory Douglas, Juan Fuentes, Calixto Robles and Michael Roman, the artists in this studio pride themselves on producing socially relevant and accessible art. Their campaign posters are invaluable tools for mobilizing campaigns addressing issues such as education, environmental, and prison reform. The Taller’s artwork has also played a prominent role at the World Social Forum and the Hip Hop National Convention.

This current exhibit, Radical Graphics, celebrates the work that these artists supplied for the aforementioned campaigns, along with a number of other pieces from their personal collections. Radical Graphics also relays an acute historical consciousness via these artists mediations on figures such as Angela Davis, Dolores Huerta and Edward Said. The exhibit is on view until January 13, 2008 and is a must see for anyone interested in the artwork that has provided the visual messaging for social change.

(This review was originally written by Ferentz Lafargue)