Where did you grow up in LA?
I grew up in Boyle Heights, although as a kid – I traveled all over the city. I also moved around a lot so I lived in various parts of the city. So there are so many different parts of the city that I consider home.
What is your favorite thing about Los Angeles?
I think my favorite thing about LA is its diversity. LA is one big melting pot.
Where do you find inspiration for your studio practice?
Being that studio time can be very solitary - I often stumble upon inspiration through different podcasts I listen to like “History on Fire” by Daniele Bolelli, Jocko Podcast by Jocko Willink a former Navy SEAL and war veteran, The Joe Rogan Podcast and many others. It doesn’t seem like the kind of thing that inspires an artist - but hearing inspiring stories of overcoming adversity - really motivates me to get to work and pursue my dreams.
Favorite eat in LA?
I love eating at Al & Beas in Boyle Heights – the Combination Burrito. It has a very distinct taste you cannot find anywhere else.
Favorite work of art?
That’s a hard one, because there is so much greatness throughout the ages. That being said I think one of my favorites is Jackson Pollock’s One: Number 31. I believe that he was able to reach a dimension of total improvisation, reaching a full rhythm of motion. It’s just incredible.
Studio playlist highlight?
I Ran (So Far Away) by Flock of Seagulls. There is a backstory to this song – at Site Santa Fe in 2001, Gajin enlisted Jesse Simon and I to help him paint a mural. During this time we got to hang out with Dave Hickey (Art critic, writer). As we were walking around town, Gajin was mistaken a few times for DJ Towa Tei, the DJ hired to spin for the opening. So we laughed about it and told Dave, and Dave said, “Who’s DJ Towa Tei? I wanted The Flock of Seagulls to play the opening.” Gajin and I were laughing because we didn’t expect Dave to choose that band. So throughout the years we still remember and joke about that. So here’s to you Dave.
Visit our website to learn more about Defer and his work: http://lalouver.com/ROLL-CALL-artists/#alex-kizu
ROLL CALL , 11 artists from L.A., curated by Gajin Fujita, is on view through 14 January 2017.
IMAGES: (top to bottom) Alex Kizu (Defer); Alex Kizu (Defer), Myths & Legends, 2016, acrylic on canvas, 77 x 77 in. (195.6 x 195.6 cm)