By TR Robertson
Jason Lamar Hailey knew at an early age that his real calling in life was to create amazing art for everyone to enjoy. Born in Oceanside, California, in 1979, he would eventually end up in San Francisco, California, where, by age 13, he had picked up the nickname Chor, later adding Boogie for his last name. It was there he would develop a unique painting style using aerosol paint cans. In a recent interview at a location in Vista, Chor explained he was strongly influenced by a wide array of incredible artists, including Michelangelo, DaVinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Klimt, Dali, and early graffiti artists like Phase2, Vulcan, and Riff70. The last three were pioneers in the 1970-80’s in graffiti art, especially in New York City. He said that by studying these artists, he began to develop his own inspiration through blending modern with contemporary styles. Chor does not refer to his artwork as graffiti art, saying instead that graffiti is a subculture of many unique street art styles. He calls his work aerosol intelligence or modern hieroglyphics.
Chor Boogie is presently completing a four-location commission in Vista, selected by the Vista Public Arts Commission and approved by the Vista City Council. He had, in 2014, painted the wall behind Curbside Café, a city-owned building, with a design called “Boogie Birds”, one which is a trademark design he puts on all of his murals. Margaret Hamer, Vista Recreation and Community Services Director, said he was contacted about submitting designs for four locations in Vista that had been selected and identified as frequent targets of unsolicited graffiti. Two of the four sites are on city property and two on private property. Owners of the two private properties were also brought in for approval of the designs that would be painted. The four locations are along the long wall on Citrus in Downtown Historic Vista, the bathroom building at Pala Vista Park off of Civic Center Drive, the large wall at 123 Orange facing the skatepark, and a refurbishing of the original “Boogie Birds” on the back wall of Curbside Café. Three of the locations have been completed, and the 123 Orange St. location will soon be completed. The Curbside location is called “Boogie Birds”; the Pala Vista location is called “Kites Over Vista”; the Citrus location is called “The Messenger” and features the city’s official bird, the Hummingbird; and the Orange Street location will feature a massive lion. Look for the “Boogie Birds” at each of the locations.
Margaret explained the process for submitting proposals for Public Art does take a while, including final approval by the City Council. She said an additional wall mural will be completed in August along Palm Drive, involving three artists, Cyril Rigmaiden, Lydia Martin and Hunter Heinrich. The Palm Drive project was submitted by Public Arts Commissioner Sarah Spinks, an artist in the Vista arts community with strong influence.
Chor Boogie’s work has a worldwide influence with commissioned work and gallery shows formerly in Mexico, Brazil, Dubai, China, Australia, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. His work has appeared in San Diego’s Museum of Contemporary Art and the New Children’s Museum. He said,
“My artwork is derived from the colors of my soul, and I believe it is color therapy”.
Using long ladders and electric lifts he is able to transform plain walls into amazing and extremely creative works of art that transfix people as they look at all of the unique designs. He also said, “There is a healing effect of color in my work”. After he completes the wall murals in Vista, Chor and his family will return to his 75-acre retreat in Costa Rica. The retreat, called Soul Flow, is being remodeled and offers people a chance to reflect on the art of life through meditation, contemplation and relaxation.
Margaret said there is funding for one additional Mural under the graffiti abatement pilot program and new park, and public projects, often include a public art component, so there may be additional opportunities for additional projects. More details are available at www.VistaPublicArts.com which will lead you to the public arts proposal forms needed for submission. A Public Arts Map of the City art locations is in the process of being expanded so residents and visitors can locate art around the city. This includes the kites, murals and utility boxes located around the city. Go to www.storymaps.arcqis.com/stories for more information. Margaret also said anyone interested in public art is welcome to attend and contribute to the Public Arts Commission’s meetings, held the second Wednesday of each month in the Vista Civic Center, 2nd floor Council Chambers.
To see more of Chor Boogie’s artwork and read about his personal connection to this art style go to www.chorboogie.com. He also said they are working on updating and reworking the web site.
