Los Angeles is still buzzing with excitement after a week of art fairs, but there are several must-see shows happening this month that are sure to captivate art enthusiasts. From mystical visions of resilience to explorations of freedom and the complexities of our nation, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here is a closer look at some of the top exhibitions in Los Angeles this month:
Hayv Kahraman: Libations
Vielmetter Los Angeles, 1700 South Santa Fe Avenue, #101, Downtown, Los Angeles
Through March 21
Hayv Kahraman’s latest exhibition, “Libations,” delves into the artist’s personal loss following the Eaton Fire that destroyed her Altadena home. Drawing on her childhood experiences of displacement during the Gulf War, Kahraman creates mystical paintings depicting women in moments of magic, wonder, and ritual. Incorporating symbols from her Iraqi heritage, the artist explores the universal quest for meaning in the face of catastrophe.
Noni Olabisi: When Lightning Strikes
Laband Art Gallery, Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Drive, Westchester, Los Angeles
Through March 28
Noni Olabisi’s powerful murals can be seen throughout South LA, depicting scenes of Black struggle and resilience. “When Lightning Strikes” showcases over 40 artworks spanning Olabisi’s career, paying tribute to the late artist’s impactful contributions to the local landscape. From depictions of the LA Uprising to the Haitian slave rebellion, Olabisi’s work is a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance.
Jesse Wiedel: Stalking the Good Life
Serious Topics, 1207 North La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, California
Through March 28
“Stalking the Good Life” by Jesse Wiedel offers a vibrant portrayal of the American Dream through colorful and expressive paintings. Wiedel’s works capture a cast of characters navigating the complexities of contemporary society in search of their own slice of paradise. With influences ranging from regionalism to baroque art, Wiedel presents a vision of everyday people grappling with the hopes and fears of the modern world.
Lauren Quin: Eyelets of Alkaline
Pace Los Angeles, 1201 South La Brea Avenue, Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles
Through March 28
Painter Lauren Quin’s latest exhibition, “Eyelets of Alkaline,” showcases her evolving formal language of symbols in a series of compositions that blur the line between abstraction and dimension. With a focus on form, space, and surface, Quin’s paintings demonstrate a chromatic subtlety that highlights her mastery of visual elements.
Wally Hedrick: Sex Politics Religion
The Box, 805 Traction Avenue, Downtown, Los Angeles
Parker Gallery, 6700 Melrose Avenue, Hancock Park, Los Angeles
Through April 4
“Sex Politics Religion” is a retrospective of the late artist Wally Hedrick, known for his diverse body of work that spanned sculpture, painting, and installation. From protest monochromes to graphic signage, Hedrick’s art was as politically charged as it was aesthetically engaging. The two-venue exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the artist’s career and includes a symposium on Hedrick’s legacy.
Kanemitsu on Traction
Musée du Al, Echo Park, Los Angeles (by appointment only)
Through April 12
“Kanemitsu on Traction” celebrates the work of artist Matsumi (Mike) Kanemitsu, a prominent figure in LA’s cultural scene from the 1960s to the 1990s. Known for his Abstract Expressionist style and printmaking expertise, Kanemitsu’s lithographs and woodcuts showcase his stylistic evolution and artistic contributions to the city.
Nature Morte, 1982–1988
Ehrlich Steinberg, 5540 Santa Monica Boulevard, East Hollywood, Los Angeles
Through April 18
“Ehrlich Steinberg” presents works from the Nature Morte gallery, a groundbreaking art space in the East Village that championed conceptual and language-based art in the 1980s. Featuring artists like Ken Lum and Louise Lawler, the exhibition highlights the gallery’s influence on the art scene during its run.
Cole Case: And it Keeps Coming ‘Til the Day it Stops
Track 16, 1206 Maple Avenue, Suite 100, Downtown, Los Angeles
Through April 18
Cole Case’s paintings confront contemporary social and political issues through the lens of art history, offering poignant reflections on injustice and protest. With works inspired by personal experiences and historical events, Case’s art sheds light on the complexities of our society in a powerful and thought-provoking manner.
Lizzie Fitch and Ryan Trecartin: PLY WOULD
Morán Morán, 641 North Western Avenue, East Hollywood, Los Angeles
Through April 18
“Ply Would” showcases the latest work from collaborators Lizzie Fitch and Ryan Trecartin, known for their frenetic videos and immersive installations. The exhibition presents a glimpse into the artists’ ongoing project, “Whether Line,” exploring themes of class, surveillance, and leisure in a unique theatrical setting.
100 Years of Wallace Berman: “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing”
Michael Kohn Gallery, 1227 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles
Through April 25
This retrospective celebrates the legacy of artist Wallace Berman, whose innovative approach to mass media and collage continues to inspire artists today. Featuring a selection of Berman’s iconic Verifax collages, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to delve into the artist’s influential body of work.
These exhibitions offer a diverse and engaging look at the rich artistic landscape of Los Angeles, showcasing both established artists and emerging talents. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual observer, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the vibrant art scene of LA.
