Thustra showcases a few pieces, but the liveliest—and hard to ignore— piece was the gigantic mural, constructed of silkscreen stencil designs held together with wood and staples. A collage of a tiger can be seen in the middle of the mural with a vibrancy of light blue, muted brown, and dark blood red colors.

“It’s a statement of a large art that should be out in the world, but within a small space. I’m a muralist,” says Thustra. He adds that he gathers his thoughts of what he does not like in the world and reassesses what he does like. Like a symbol of our youths, Thustra’s art is reminiscent of what can be found in a trapper keeper.

Thustra labored for seven weeks, starting from November 1, to complete the massive and inspiring wall painting. “I worked a lot on it and had a bit of freedom,” Thustra jokes wishing he could have been greedy had he had a 6-month timespan.

His art reception also provides five vending machines to own a miniature piece of Sara’s art ranging from calendars, jewelry, wristwatches, jokes, and paintings for only 25 cents apiece. Revealing one vending machine to be nearly empty, many spectators crowded around the slots while scavenging for extra change.

With previous works, he’s focused on a wide range of issues concerning gender identity, violence, mass consumerism, sexuality, and economic and social inequalities.  Thustra has presented his painting numerous times at Needles and Pens, the earliest hearkening back to 2003.

Thustra has also made his presence known through other mediums such as zines and street graffiti. As an artist, Thustra is inspired by art that he describes as “rough, crazy, and real.” He soon starts citing works from social activists to farm workers to the galleries presented in San Francisco’s Mission Cultural Center. “What I like most is the old deep-rooted Latin cultural murals,” Thustra points out as many of his influences inspire many of his paintings.

The reception continued with music by Boyie and Jamie while providing one of Thustra’s trademarks, free dinner. Sara Thustra’s art gallery will continue until the month of January, but unsure of the vending machines will be fully stocked.

Words by Chris Huqueriza
Photos by Alexander Zeddemore

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Be sure to visit the Needles & Pens site and storefront location for the latest in zines, clothing, and events.

Related posts:

1. Rob Sato @ GRSF
2. Artist Profile: S.A. Richard
3. Art Murmur in Temescal