The California Locos are set to redefine Southern California’s artistic landscape with their latest exhibition, blending the rebellious spirit of the region’s surf and skate culture. This fall, the California Surf Museum (CSM) and the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) are hosting a dual exhibition titled Surf Art: Exploring California’s Coastal Culture, which runs through February 2026. The show highlights the impact of the California Locos, a collective of Los Angeles artists who have played a pivotal role in transforming SoCal’s subcultures into a global art phenomenon.
Founded in 2011 by Dave Tourjé, the California Locos include prominent artists Chaz Bojórquez, John Van Hamersveld, Norton Wisdom, and Gary Wong. Their work encompasses various styles, from fine art to Cholo-style graffiti, surf, skate, and punk influences. The collective draws on a rich history that began with the surf scene of the late 1950s and evolved through the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s.
From Rebellion to Recognition
Tourjé reflects on the evolution of their art, noting that galleries and museums have increasingly embraced their work. “Galleries and museums used to overlook this kind of work,” he says. “Now, it’s completely embraced. But as we gain widespread legitimacy, we also need to protect authenticity and make sure the original stories, people, and neighborhoods that birthed this movement aren’t written out.”
The exhibition also serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the California Locos. Their book, California Locos Renaissance and Rebellion, delves into the complex relationship between fine art and LA’s street culture, reinforcing their influence on global branding and Olympic design.
As Tourjé explains, “The California Locos were born out of rebellion. In the ’60s, surfing represented counterculture.” The artistic expressions from that era now adorn museum walls and continue to shape the identity of Southern California.
Art, Equity, and Authenticity
The collective’s journey mirrors the transformation of Los Angeles itself. Raised in Northeast LA during the surf, skate, and punk explosion, Tourjé merges his multicultural heritage—his mother hailing from Mexico City—with formal training from the University of California, Santa Barbara. The California Locos channel these diverse influences into vibrant compositions that encapsulate the essence of the Southern California lifestyle.
“We’ve gone from the concrete drainage ditches to galleries and museums,” Tourjé notes. “That’s not just progress — that’s history.” As various institutions seek to harness SoCal’s creative spirit, the California Locos stand as both pioneers and guardians of that legacy.
“I see this show as inclusion and validation,” Tourjé adds. “But we need to ask who’s telling the story. The SoCal legacy isn’t just surfboards and sunsets—it’s punk rock, lowriders, street art, multiculturalism, and creative defiance. That’s what makes LA unique. That’s what we represent.”
The exhibition features notable works from the collective, including:
– Norton Wisdom, *Skate Goddess*, 2015, Oil Paint on board
– Dave Tourjé, *4RGRWEBDR*, 2023, Mixed Media on Acrylic Glass
– Chaz Bojórquez, *La Mix*, 1997, Screenprint on Paper
– John Van Hamersveld, *The Next Wave*, 2024, Digital Print on Canvas
– Gary Wong, *Pataphysique*, 2022, Sumi Ink, Acrylic on Arches paper
The California Locos have established themselves as a significant force in contemporary and countercultural art, challenging the boundaries between fine art and street culture. Their work not only reflects the vibrant spirit of Southern California but also resonates with global audiences.
The Oceanside Museum of Art, founded in 1995, aims to unify communities through art and tells the stories of Southern California’s diverse cultural heritage. The California Surf Museum, established in 1986, showcases the history of surfing and wave-riding, attracting visitors from over 40 countries each year.
As the California Locos continue to influence the art world, their commitment to authenticity and cultural representation remains at the forefront of their mission. Their latest exhibition is more than just a display of art; it is a celebration of a cultural movement that has shaped the identity of Southern California for decades.