San Milano Drive is an ambitious breakout exhibition that brings together, for the first time, DJ Javier’s art and design practices with his passion for his Filipino heritage and history, his home town of Santa Barbara, and contemporary surf culture. At its core, this exhibition features a survey of numerous painted works on panel including newly commissioned large-scale paintings and painted sculptures. Integrated and site specific murals by the artist throughout the exhibition create a dynamic, immersive, and playful environment with a nod to his local and national mural career.
You are encouraged to explore the various themes in the exhibition by looking for repeated characters, images, and symbols. What are some of your favorites? What do they mean to you?
Please don’t hesitate to pick up the mic and sing your favorite song at the Videoke Machine installation and come back with your friends and family for monthly karaoke nights. The Norton Gallery features a ten year survey of the hundreds of t-shirt designs DJ Javier has produced for his friends, local businesses, and organizations. It’s a trip down memory lane and a true community archive at the same time.
A highlight of the community minded artist’s exhibition here at MCASB is the San Milano Drive Merkado (inspired by the sari sari, a ubiquitous site in the Philippines selling snacks and sundry items). DJ Javier has invited many of his artist, designer, and creative friends and collaborators to sell their wares with a percentage of sales benefiting the museum. Don’t forget to exit through the merkado!
D.J. Javier’s dynamic oeuvre spans across fine art, graphic design, large-scale murals and consumer goods. His body of work is a vibrant testament to his cultural heritage, personal experiences and the countercultural landscapes of Southern California. Javier’s art is recognized for its unique blend of bold silhouettes and bright colors, often featuring motifs that explore his cultural identity as a first-generation Filipino American reflecting a deeper engagement with his roots. Javier has been involved in projects supporting BIPOC communities and uses his platform to address issues like inclusivity and representation. His approach to art is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from memories and experiences to create pieces that resonate on an emotional level with viewers.
Javier has collaborated with clients that include Vans, Netflix, Star Wars, Shake Shack, Spiderman, Billabong, LA Rams, LA Kings, LAFC, Adidas, Amazon and is a global ambassador for Stance. His work has been featured in publications such as Juxtapoz, The Surfer’s Journal, CNN and the LA Times. The California Central Coast arts publication Lum Art Magazine published a feature written by Ryan P. Cruz. In 2024, he gave a Tedx talk in 2024.
Javier was most recently featured in Santa Barbara Magazine’s 50th Anniversary Summer Issue in which he also designed the collectible cover artwork and contributed key custom art elements throughout the special issue.
Javier has painted multi-story, large-scale murals across the US in cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. He owns and operates his creative studio, Bayan Surf Club, in Santa Barbara, California, and his two brands Canto Vision and Lumpia Surf Team.
DJ Javier: San Milano Drive has received support from:
The David Bermant Foundation, Christy & Hans Swildens, Resonance Foundation, Sofia & Mark Greif, JC Connelly, Inc, Frederick Janka & John Connelly, Melissa Bower, Artiste, Ghia, High Seas Mead, Magan Kunin Hefner & William Heffner, Gina Tolleson, Anonymous, and the Board of Trustees
DJ Javier: San Milano Drive Media Partners:
