Los Angeles-based artist Mario Ybarra Jr draws attention to forms of culture that exist in the margins of the mainstream. Verging on the pseudo-anthropological, Ybarra’s work examines hidden cultural histories: often alluding to or parodying the street culture of West Coast US. His reference points span from the activities of inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison, to a social exploration of the expanding numbers of barbershops across African-American communities. Ybarra will be discussing his practice prior to his performance, which will bring together barbers from across London to participate in a hair-cutting competition at Tate Modern.
