Los Angeles-based artist Robert Vargas continues to make his mark across the city with vibrant murals while simultaneously working toward breaking a Guinness World Record. The Boyle Heights native, whose work spans from a tribute to baseball star Shohei Ohtani in Little Tokyo to a dedication piece in Altadena at Fair Oaks Burger, is driven by a mission to give back to his community and inspire Latino youth to pursue careers in the arts.
Vargas recently completed a striking three-story mural titled "Nourishing the Community" at Project Angel Food in Hollywood. The piece was inspired by kitchen workers and community volunteers, featuring a centerpiece that Vargas describes as resembling "a matriarchal goddess of corn." True to his artistic process, he incorporated real community members into the work, including using the hands of a local vendor as part of the central figure.
The artist's unique approach involves immersing himself directly in the community rather than relying on preliminary sketches. "I don't really make sketches leading up to a mural," Vargas explained. "I kind of immerse myself in that space, have conversations with people around me, and let that inform my process." The Hollywood mural presented significant challenges, as Vargas worked through a heatwave to complete it in time for the community unveiling ceremony.
"The water-based paint dries pretty much on contact. So I went through tons of brushes," he said, describing the difficult conditions. "The wall's like a stove top, and I'm up high, closer to the sun." Despite these obstacles, Vargas completed the piece in about a week, working nonstop overnight shifts to meet the deadline.
Currently, Vargas is working on his most ambitious project yet - a massive mural called "Angelus" at 5th and Hill streets in downtown Los Angeles. This opus piece could potentially break a Guinness World Record, covering more than 60,000 square feet and being painted entirely freehand without grids or projections. The title combines the words "angel" and "us," serving as a tribute to Angelenos and incorporating contemporary people to tell the story of modern Los Angeles.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Vargas maintains a strong commitment to community outreach. The city of Los Angeles officially declared September 8th as Robert Vargas Day in 2021, a recognition he celebrates by hosting annual career day events for local children and teenagers. For the past five years, he has invited creative professionals from various fields including music and dance to demonstrate that careers in the arts are viable options.
"That's why I think it's so important for me to be visible and present in that space because I'm also an example to those parents - they get to see someone who grew up there who looks just like them," Vargas said. "You can still persevere." During these events, he distributes approximately 1,000 sketchbooks, which he considers "the gateway to expressing yourself."
As a graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts who attended LAUSD schools, Vargas understands the challenges facing inner-city students. He regularly visits local elementary and junior high schools to personally invite students to participate in his career day events. "There's a lot of amazing talent that's coming out of those areas and specifically in Boyle Heights," he noted. "It's really a special place."
Vargas views his role as an artist as carrying broader social responsibility. "I think it's a responsibility as an artist to comment on the times and use your work for the greater," he stated. Through his murals spanning Los Angeles and beyond, combined with his community engagement efforts, Vargas continues to serve as both an artistic voice and a mentor for the next generation of creative talent.
