The Date Farmers -- Carlos Ramirez and Armando Lerma of Coachella Valley -- often collaborate in their art, collage, drawings, and words on discarded signs.

Reminiscent of Mexican Revolutionary posters, Ramirez and Lerma's work explores the essential reality of the roots of California past and present culture. Their art depicts Mexican American religious icons and their style resembles prison art -- their lettering strong in a low rider tradition of bold sign painting.

The Date Farmers first book features paintings, illustrations, photography, and collages driven from the depths of the California desert.

Hardcover, colour, 96 pages