LOS ANGELES — Everyday features like closed storefronts, parked vehicles, hand-painted ads, power lines, graffiti, and vivid signs form the backbone of Los Angeles’ visual environment. But what if these elements took center stage? For four decades, artists Nib Geebles and Abira Ali have spotlighted the unnoticed, daily details of their city in a much-loved local calendar. This ongoing project humorously critiques urban space politics as LA transforms. Their 2026 edition, ‘Unknown Landmarks,’ draws inspiration from urban decline, highlighting places from Highland Park’s strip malls to Eagle Rock’s flower shops.
Working together since they were 17, Gordon Henderson, known as Nib Geebles, and Ali initially exchanged letters that evolved into a shared artistic journey. Their early collaborations included collages, envelope-wrapped shells, and surreal postcards, marking a long-standing commitment to portraying everyday life in Northeast Los Angeles. The artists prioritize documentation and preservation, shifting the focus from famous sites like Hollywood Boulevard to often immigrant-owned local businesses. Henderson emphasizes the changing landscape, saying, ‘It’s transforming now, and there’s gonna be a lot less of these mom and pop stores.’
The calendar’s artistry features loose lines, selective imprecision, and whimsical ‘holidays’ such as ‘Rethink your cherished stereotypes,’ inscribed on various days. These playful dates have been a fixture since the calendar’s 1985 debut, reflecting the absurdity of time’s passage. Henderson, influenced by subconscious-oriented art, embraced a free drawing style, initially using markers before Ali suggested a dipping pen. This project traces back to Henderson’s childhood, where he would draw monsters on his father’s chemist trade calendar. The initial success inspired him to capture both architectural allure and humor.
In addition to their artistic endeavors, Ali is an illustrator, while Henderson, who also works as an NPR’s LAist announcer, considers himself both an artist and entertainer. They independently distribute the calendars to local businesses, including North Figueroa Books, showcasing calendar pieces for the last month. Proceeds from their final exhibition were pledged to Los Angeles’ Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). The artists weave politics into their work, advocating for the city they love. ‘We have to stand up for the place that we’ve lived, the city we love, we live in,’ Ali stated.
Despite being described as an existentialist and slapstick calendar, the humor underscores a commitment to community and nonconformity. Observing becomes an act of care, integral to their 2026 calendar and future editions. Henderson explained, ‘This unknown landmark series’ goal really is to try to get people to just go out for walks and take a look at their neighborhood, and see how interesting it is.’
