Art Exhibit Opening Reception: A Map to the Next World

The “A Map to the Next World” booklet features a black-and-white photograph of the Los Angeles River, circa 1949. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library)

Art lovers and community members will have an opportunity to explore themes of hope, nature, and the future when A Map to the Next World opens with a free public reception on Saturday, August 1, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at North Figueroa Bookshop in Highland Park.

The new gallery exhibition features works by Los Angeles artists invited to create pieces inspired by Joy Harjo’s poem of the same name. Drawing on the poem’s themes, the collection encourages viewers to reconnect with nature and imagine a more hopeful future.

North Figueroa Bookshop regularly rotates its gallery exhibitions and offers the featured artwork for sale, supporting local artists while showcasing new creative voices.

The opening reception is free and open to the public, and no RSVP is required. North Figueroa Bookshop is located at 6040 N. Figueroa Blvd. in Highland Park.

An excerpt from Harjo’s poem reads:

And when you take your next breath as we enter the fifth world
there will be no X, no guidebook with words you can carry.
You will have to navigate by your mother’s voice, renew the song
she is singing.
Fresh courage glimmers from planets.
And lights the map printed with the blood of history, a map you
will have to know by your intention, by the language of suns.”

Following the opening reception, A Map to the Next World will remain on view through September 12.