Carmen Martínez / Los Angeles Times / “L.A. Affairs: A single comment about my boyfriend shattered my friend circle” by Gali Kronenberg

Carmen was commissioned to create an illustration for the Los Angeles Times article “L.A. Affairs: A single comment about my boyfriend shattered my friend circle” by Gali Kronenberg.

The story describes how a close group of friends who regularly meet to play ping-pong tries to avoid political discussions to preserve their bond. However, the situation changes when the narrator reveals that her boyfriend is a DACA recipient and a friend responds that people like him should be deported. The comment exposes deep ideological differences and ultimately shatters the group’s trust and friendship.

The illustration reflects the couple’s shared passion for ping-pong, using the game as a metaphor for the emotional impact of the conflict—symbolizing the breakdown of friendship and the sense of isolation that follows.

Art Director: Avery Fox