News Summary
Renowned artist Roger Reyes presents his new exhibition, ‘I See Them Run and Hide, Every Time,’ at the Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana. This immersive experience, on display through January, challenges perceptions of color, stemming from Reyes’ personal experience with color blindness. The installation showcases interactive elements and reflects his journey towards embracing his unique perspective as an artist. With a focus on how color shapes perception, this exhibit is a bold departure from his earlier mural work.
Santa Ana is hosting a groundbreaking new art exhibition by renowned artist Roger Reyes, titled “I See Them Run and Hide, Every Time.” The exhibition opened on Saturday and will be on display at the Grand Central Art Center through January 1. This site-specific installation, which debuted during the downtown Santa Ana monthly ArtWalk, challenges viewers’ perceptions of color, a theme deeply rooted in Reyes’ personal experience with color blindness.
Reyes, an artist known for painting and restoring murals, has often been reluctant to openly discuss his color blindness. However, this exhibition represents a significant shift for him, allowing him to explore and express a part of his identity that influences his art. He first learned about his color blindness as a teenager through an Ishihara color plate test, leading to initial feelings of distress regarding his diagnosis.
With time, a doctor reassured Reyes that no one perceives the world exactly as he does, prompting him to reframe his color blindness into a unique skill. As a result, Reyes approaches his painting process by mixing every color to better see and differentiate them, which he incorporates into this new installation.
Designed to reflect his experiences, the exhibition features scaffolding, acrylic panels, mirrors, and industrial piping, creating a fragmented and disoriented environment. This immersive experience is divided into three acts, all of which vibrantly depict the theme of color blindness through interactive elements.
Act I showcases a plexiglass panel suspended by a harness and balanced by a cement block, adding a sense of tension and mystery to the exhibition. Reyes uses his own tools and industrial materials to convey his narrative against a backdrop of shifting colors and reflective surfaces.
Reyes feels particularly exposed displaying such personal work, especially since many of his friends are unaware of his color blindness. He hopes that this exhibition encourages viewers to consider their own individual perceptions of the world. The development of the project spanned approximately two years, resulting in a unique artistic statement that pushes the boundaries of traditional mural artwork.
Roger Reyes is a co-founder and director of the Santa Ana Community Artista Coalition and has collaborated on various projects with local leaders, including Sarah Rafael Garcia, to create a story map of downtown Santa Ana. He has also worked on mural restoration projects, such as the well-known “Chicano Gothic.” Through this new style of work, which marks a departure from his previous focus on murals, Reyes is eager to witness the reactions of viewers.
The exhibition, “I See Them Run and Hide, Every Time,” stands as a powerful exploration of how color and perception can shape our understanding of the world around us.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Santa Ana Community Empowered Through Digital Humanities Initiatives
Additional Resources
- LA Times: Roger Reyes: In Living Color
- Wikipedia: Color Blindness
- LA Times: Libromoblie Archiving Community History
- Google Search: Roger Reyes Santa Ana
- Theater Fans Manila: Ronnie Lazaro
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Installation Art
- LA Times: The Frida Cinema at its First Decade
- Google News: Santa Ana Art Events
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
