OJALÁ by Harley Cortez is a thought-provoking exhibition that delves into the complex interplay between genetic memory and migration. OJALÁ (meaning “hopefully” in Spanish) reflects on how such profound experiences not only shape our personal and collective identities but also deeply influence our creative expressions. “I titled this exhibition OJALÁ because I wanted to invite hope into the conversation around our interdependence and how that is linked to our ancestral memory.” Harley’s work asks viewers to explore the subtle yet powerful ways in which migration is woven into the fabric of our genetic memory, impacting generations across time and space. The exhibition—which comprises paintings, sculptures, original music compositions, and film/video elements that pay homage to Los Angeles and David Lynch—presents a unique narrative that resonates with themes of loss and resilience, aiming to engage viewers in a dialogue about the unseen forces that mold creativity. OJALÁ seeks to create a space where art and memory converge, revealing the enduring impacts of migration and the transformative power of art in the healing process. A portion of sales from the show will be donated to Grief x Hope, an organization directly helping artists impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.