“ALL MY FRIENDS KNOW DARKNESS” HERA X LAUREN YS
Feb. 1-March 8, 2025
On Saturday, February 1st, Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) in downtown Los Angeles will unveil All My Friends Know Darkness, a dual solo exhibition that brings together the evocative works of two trailblazing artists: Hera (Jasmin Siddiqui), the German multidisciplinary creator renowned for her transformative street art, and Lauren YS, a Los Angeles-based muralist whose vibrant, otherworldly art celebrates queer and BIPOC stories. This combined showcase invites audiences to explore deeply personal and socially resonant themes through the unique lenses of both artists.
Hera: A Veteran Voice in Street Art
Hera’s contributions to contemporary art are monumental. As one-half of the internationally acclaimed duo Herakut, her work has left an indelible mark on cities worldwide. Now working independently, Hera’s distinctive style combines graffiti, illustration, poetry, and storytelling to create fluid, emotionally charged compositions.
Her pieces delve into the complexities of the human experience, with themes spanning childhood, injustice, and resilience. Her hybrid creations—merging powerful women with animalistic forms and introspective text—offer a profound commentary on society, underscored by her signature chaotic yet elegant brushstrokes. Recognized as a trailblazer by Juxtapoz, Hera continues to redefine the boundaries of street art, bringing her deeply personal narratives to both walls and canvases with striking authenticity.
Lauren YS: Portal to Fantastical Worlds
Sharing the stage is Lauren YS, whose high-chroma designs and dynamic portraiture transport viewers to lush, imaginative realms. A queer Asian-American artist, Lauren (they/them) draws inspiration from mythology, dreams, nature, and their mixed heritage, weaving these influences into a celebration of queer identity and narrative fluidity.
Lauren’s work ranges from expansive murals to intricate works on canvas, each piece a vibrant testament to their passion for storytelling. Whether gracing the walls of the World Trade Center in New York or galleries in Tokyo, Melbourne, and Vienna, their art brings fantastical worlds to life while centering dignity, identity, and justice. By fusing their background in English literature with freestyle muralism, Lauren crafts visually compelling stories that explore themes of fluidity, local myth, and the quest for belonging.
A Shared Exploration of Darkness and Light
Though distinct in their approaches, Hera and Lauren YS share a commitment to exploring themes of identity, resilience, and human dignity. Their works resonate on both personal and universal levels, creating a dialogue that bridges cultural and social divides. All My Friends Know Darkness invites viewers to confront the shadows within and without, finding beauty, strength, and transformation in the process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the groundbreaking work of these two artists. All My Friends Know Darkness opens February 1st at Corey Helford Gallery, offering a powerful exploration of identity and storytelling through two visionary perspectives.