Jasu Diaz has a different idea for a neighborhood barbershop. The Oaxacan native who moved to Santa Monica when he was 10 years old always wanted to open up his own barbershop after learning to cut hair. And in 2023, he did just that by opening Pier 86 Barbershop, located at 3000 Lincoln Blvd. But he didn’t stop there. Diaz went a step further and married his passion for community with his passion for art.
“I got the idea of building community here,” he said. “I grew up here in Santa Monica, so just bringing back the old ways of community. I saw a lot of people walking through here, and they always would come in and say hello or just see the regular clients. So it made me feel like a gallery would bring people and community together and just build as we grow.”
Will Rogers Elementary School teacher Jose Brizuela, commonly known as “Mr. B” and one of Diaz’s clients, introduced Diaz to art curator and Santa Monica local Ernie Lucero. And “What Are Those” was born – an exhibit showcasing different customized shoes based on the cultural experiences of urban Los Angeles. Each shoe showcases a unique community and chapter of L.A. and was completed by local artists.
“These classic Chuck Taylor All Stars are hand-custom-painted and accessorised,” one gallery label reads. “They are an homage to urban indigenous native youth. Specifically, the tongue of the shoe is inspired by traditional beaded moccasins, the placement is meant to convey the connection in the world around us and the belts are said to carry prayers and positive energy.”
Another piece is the “Monarch Metamorphosis” – featuring butterflies hand-painted by San Fernando Valley native Erica Friend on a pair of classic Adidas Sambas. One hand-painted pair of Vans by Johnny Zepeda tells the story of the ocean under the Santa Monica Pier. Manny LeGaspe’s piece, entitled “Child’s Play – Toying with Democracy,” showcases two red and blue shoes molded into military tanks, facing off in front of a paper that says “We the People.”
The excitement of getting a new pair and expressing one’s self through shoes is something everyone can relate to, Diaz said.
“It’s been amazing just seeing so many people come by and just seeing how impressed they are by seeing a lot of the art, and didn't think a barber shop would host a small gallery event like this,” he added.
Looking forward, Diaz hopes to continue chasing his dream one day by also having a cafe in the barbershop – tying hospitality, art, and haircutting all together. Beyond “What Are Those,” he looks forward to bringing the community together with new galleries every month and a half. For October, he plans to host a gallery dedicated to Day of the Dead for the second year in a row.
“It’s nice sharing memories and sharing a lot of stuff that I grew up with,” he said. “And then people that may not know about the culture – it’s also nice every day when they can come in here and learn about it and maybe share some of their own loved ones that have passed away. So, there’s many stories that come by and you share all kinds of stuff with different people that you've never met.”
Pier 86 Barbershop is open Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. “What Are Those” is free and open to the public until Sept. 25.
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By SAM MULICK