Mision San Luis Rey de Francia 

James Jones created this drawing of Mision San Luis Rey de Francia on a 32.1 x 24.8 cm sheet. Jones's work invites us to reflect on the layered histories and cultural encounters embedded in the California landscape. Founded in 1798, the mission was part of a broader Spanish colonial project that dramatically reshaped the lives and lands of indigenous populations. Jones, through his rendering, engages with this complex history, presenting the mission not merely as an architectural form, but as a symbol of cultural exchange, and also, let’s be honest, of colonial power. Consider the emotional weight of such a site – a place of faith and community for some, while for others, a stark reminder of displacement and cultural erasure. How does Jones's drawing prompt you to think about the narratives we tell ourselves about the past, and whose voices are centered or marginalized in those tellings?