Los Angeles, renowned for its captivating diversity, proudly presents an array of exhibitions by artists representing various backgrounds in esteemed museums and galleries. These exhibitions celebrate unique experiences, introspections, and creative approaches, ensuring you don’t miss out on these transient marvels.
“Handwriting on the Wall” by Thornton Dial
Thornton Dial, a prominent contemporary artist from Emelle, Alabama, offers a profound exploration of his experiences as a Black individual in the South through remarkable artwork. Having engaged in diverse trades, from picking cotton at age five to crafting train cars for three decades, Dial’s pieces provide an inclusive and complex perspective on American history. Themes such as the Great Migration, the civil rights movement, and the election of the first Black president encapsulate his creations, offering poignant reflections on the human condition. Notably, his drawings focus on women, highlighting their intricate roles as sources of power and love. Dial’s exhibit at Blum & Poe promises an immersive experience resonating with audiences.
Chiharu Shiota
Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota, based in Berlin, presents a captivating installation as the inaugural feature in the Hammer Museum’s renovated lobby. Shiota’s artistic creations encompass sculptures, installations, and performance art, acting as potent portals to psycho-geographical spaces where emotions, memory, and the cyclical nature of life and death interact. Using red, black, and white yarns meticulously woven into intricate environments that stretch across galleries, Shiota evokes organic structures reminiscent of cobwebs, veins, and fractals.
“The Flower Show”
L.A. Louver hosts “The Flower Show,” an exhibition boasting works by over 50 artists who incorporate flowers as a motif while infusing their unique crafts and cultural perspectives. Flowers have long inspired artists throughout centuries. This exhibit showcases diverse approaches spanning various styles, mediums, and time periods. Featuring renowned sculptor Zemer Peled and contemporary artist Ang Tsherin Sherpa, “The Flower Show” weaves a rich tapestry of artistic expressions centered around the captivating beauty of flowers.
“Coming Back to See Through, Again” by Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby takes center stage at David Zwirner’s new gallery. Recognized as a MacArthur Fellowship recipient in 2017, Crosby masterfully merges painted portraits, personal locations, and themes with photographs sourced from her images and Nigerian magazines. Her pieces mirror personal experiences and explore complexities of African diasporic identity. Crosby’s distinctive artistic vision offers a profound exploration of heritage and shaping narratives.
“Party/After-Party” by Carl Craig
Detroit-based DJ and producer Carl Craig, with three decades of international experience and headlining at renowned clubs like Berlin’s Berghain, presents an immersive installation complementing Geffen Contemporary at MOCA’s architectural splendor. “Party/After-Party” provides a somatic journey, offering a unique glimpse into a club night through a DJ’s eyes. The installation pays homage to Black artists who paved the way for techno and electronic music. Craig extends the experience with “Party/After-Party Sessions,” three live concerts further immersing audiences in pulsating beats.
Los Angeles’ thriving artistic landscape comes alive through these captivating exhibitions by artists of color. These showcases offer a powerful testament to diverse voices and experiences shaping the city’s vibrant cultural fabric. Embark on an artistic journey, immersing yourself in rich narratives woven by remarkable artists.
