On December 15, 2024, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles opened Fragments of Identity, a poignant solo exhibition by local artist Julian Rivera. The exhibition, which runs until January 31, 2025, invites visitors to explore themes of cultural heritage, trauma, and self-discovery through Rivera’s mixed-media sculptures, paintings, and digital installations. The show draws from Rivera’s personal experiences growing up in East Los Angeles and grapples with the complexities of identity formation in the face of societal pressures.
Rivera, known for his powerful commentary on the immigrant experience and issues of social justice, used Fragments of Identity to convey his own journey of self-acceptance and his exploration of fragmented cultural narratives. “I wanted to create something that could reflect the way my identity feels—often incomplete, layered, and constantly evolving,” said Rivera during the exhibition’s opening reception. “Each piece represents a moment in time where I felt disconnected or fragmented, but also a step toward embracing the totality of who I am.”
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is Shattered Reflections, a life-sized sculpture of a mirror that has been shattered and reassembled using shards of broken glass. The installation symbolizes the fractured nature of personal identity and the painful yet necessary process of rebuilding oneself after trauma. “The mirror is a powerful symbol of self-perception,” Rivera explained. “When it breaks, you’re forced to examine the pieces of yourself and decide which parts to keep and which to discard.”
In addition to his visual work, Rivera has incorporated digital video elements into the exhibit, including Echoes of Home, a short film that explores the concept of home and belonging through the lens of immigration. The film features both documentary footage of Rivera’s family in Mexico and narrative scenes of the artist’s return to his hometown of East Los Angeles. “I wanted to highlight the invisible threads that connect us to both our ancestral roots and the places we live now,” Rivera said. “It’s about recognizing that our identities are never just singular—they are always shaped by history, by community, and by our shared stories.”
The exhibition also touches on the intersections of art and healing, a theme that Rivera has explored throughout his career. “Art has been a way for me to work through my own struggles, and I hope this exhibition can provide that same kind of catharsis for others,” he shared. “There’s a power in seeing yourself reflected in someone else’s work, and I believe that’s part of what art can offer—a chance for connection and understanding.”
Rivera’s work has resonated deeply within the Los Angeles arts community, and his efforts to bring attention to underrepresented voices have made him a prominent figure in both local and national art circles. The Hammer Museum’s exhibition provides a platform for his thought-provoking work, cementing his place as one of the leading voices in contemporary art in California.
As Fragments of Identity continues its run, it’s clear that Rivera’s exploration of personal and cultural identity is not just about self-reflection—it’s about collective healing. His exhibition provides a space for individuals to confront their own fragmented selves and find a path toward wholeness, making it one of the most significant art events of the year in Los Angeles.
