Though the Juxtapoz staff will be heading to get a sneak peak of the show today in person, we wanted to share a preview today of Charlie James Gallery’s next show, Erick Medel: Vidas, the artist’s first exhibition with the gallery. Erick Medel creates intimate portraits of immigrant life using a sewing machine and thread much like one would use a paintbrush and oils. His canvas is deep blue heavyweight denim, which provides a dark ground that sets off the brightly colored threads that are his chosen medium. Medel draws inspiration from the vibrant Boyle Heights neighborhood outside of his studio, capturing street festivals, sidewalk scenes, and quiet moments in works that tenderly celebrate the joys of a thriving immigrant community.