The Los Angeles–born artist Eduardo Sarabia splits his time between Guadalajara, Mexico; Los Angeles; and Berlin, but for the source of his imagery he consistently looks south of the border. Going back to his student days at L.A.’s Otis College of Art and Design, his work, which combines aspects of performance and object-making, has lampooned common Mexican stereotypes from the drug smuggler to the fortune hunter. In his best-known piece, Salon Aleman, which debuted at the unitednationsplaza in Berlin in 2006 and also appeared at the Whitney Biennial in 2008, he opened a bar where he served his own homemade tequila (in three varieties). The result was a popular hangout spot as well as a work meant to complicate our notion of the Latino cantina and call attention to third-world poverty.

Sarabia’s latest show, "History of the World," at L.A. Louver through August 23, features a giant installation of hundreds of hand-painted ceramic plates hung salon-style floor to ceiling (there are also a few shelving units containing other ceramics — vases, plates, cups, and pots — and a group of new paintings). Each work is unique, crafted according to traditional Mexican techniques, and painted in light blue enamel evocative of chintzy China. But among so many soft, domestic signifiers, Sarabia has also inserted his typical rougher-edged iconography. If the plate rims contain the smattering of floral and geometric motifs typical of tableware, at their center are representations of guns, marijuana leaves, liquor bottles, and naked women, as well as farm animals like roosters and goats. Add these images together, and you have a portrait of a culture dominated by black-market forces and rural poverty, the sort of world that we in the wealthy West too often ignore as we sit to eat at our well-set tables or go about the other daily rituals that constitute our privileged lives.  

Here are Eduardo’s picks for the weekend in Los Angeles:

1. Phantom Sightings: Art After the Chicano Movement at LACMA, through September 1

"It’s weird to recommend this show because I’m in it, but I actually think it’s worth the visit. Using the Chicano Movement as a starting point, this show surveys artists working with different mediums. The show is set to travel to five different cities [Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico; Houston, Texas; Guadalajara, Mexico; and New York], so catch it while it’s still here.

"I also want to check out Kori Newkirk: 1997–2007 at Pasadena Museum of California Art before it closes on September 14."

2. Chinatown

"Check out L.A.’s ever-evolving Chinatown gallery scene. I haven't been there for a while, but there's always something good to see. I plan to visit the new Cottage Home gallery. While I'm there I'll also definitely visit the Ooga Booga bookstore for some of the best art books (and cool objects) in town."

3. L.A. Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium, July 31–August 3

"Go check out the Dodgers and Diamondbacks battle it out for first place in the National League West Division; it’s a must-see series for Dodger fans or for anyone who just wants to enjoy a nice L.A. night. Plus, there are free giveaways on August 1, 2, and 3."

4. The Beach

"Spend a nice summer day at Point Dume. I went a few days ago, and it’s really nice and relaxing. I took spicy fried chicken wings from a Korean restaurant and had a picnic with some friends. Remember to wear lots of sunblock."