Richard Duardo - Owner & Master Printer, Modern Multiples

Richard Duardo is a well-known artist in the Los Angeles community. Once referred to as the "Warhol of the West," he has established a name for himself by producing prints of pop-culture icons. After graduating from UCLA, Duardo dove into Highland Park's art scene by working with Self-Help Graphics and co-founding his first studio, Centro de Arte Público. Today, he owns Modern Multiples, a printmaking studio featuring contemporary artists. Duardo recounts the creation and closing of the Centro de Arte Publico and how the growing Chicano movement paved the way for new political organizations. Richard is part of the always vocal and committed Duardo family.

El Centro
Richard Duardo likens the Centro to the missions established throughout California - a safe harbor for like-minded artists to gather and collaborate.

The Last Days
Lack of support and recognition led to the closing of the Centro and the studio's transformation into a more inclusive space where everyone fed off the energy of others.

The Awakening
Richard Duardo recounts how anti-war sentiments and the growing Chicano movement prompted the establishment of various political organizations.

The Neighborhood Kids
Richard Duardo describes growing up in Highland Park in the 1960s as part of one of the first Mexican families to move to the area.