Los Angeles artist Patrick Martinez has installed six politically charged neon sculptures at the entrance of Frieze Los Angeles, featuring slogans such as “Deport Ice” and “Nobody is illegal.” These works adapt the visual language of local mom-and-pop storefront signage—typically used for check-cashing or pawn shops—to broadcast urgent social and political messages. The installation serves as a bridge between the elite art fair environment and the grassroots protest culture of the city.
Martinez’s presence at the fair is part of a broader takeover of the Los Angeles art scene, including a solo exhibition at Charlie James Gallery and inclusion in the Hammer Museum’s biennial. By placing these works in high-profile commercial and institutional settings, Martinez aims to normalize protest language within the art world. His practice highlights the intersection of urban aesthetics and social activism, urging collective organization during times of political turmoil.