In 2017 I dedicated a series of Artist a Day posts to Ruth Waddy, whose influence guided and amplified the careers of Los Angeles artists in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Her impact and legacy in documenting Black art is immeasurable and “as a champion for African-American artists, Waddy’s advocacy created a powerful … Continue reading Artist a Day: Evangeline J Montgomery
Change is not always an organic process, sometimes it needs a little nudge. When it came to diverse cultural representation within Los Angeles museums in the 1960s, LACMA in particular needed a few nudges… and a good push toward progress. One late December evening on Wilshire Boulevard in 1968, a curious crowd formed around the Ahmanson’ building … Continue reading Artist a Day Challenge (6): The Disrupters
In Los Angeles in the 1960’s many black artists including Charles White, Ruth Waddy and Samella Lewis fought for representation in local museums including LACMA. Little did I know that at least one artist had been given a solo show there decades prior. Beulah Ecton Woodard was an artist/sculptor born in Ohio in 1895 who grew up in Los Angeles. … Continue reading Artist a Day Challenge (5) Beulah Ecton Woodard
Black artists that came of age in the 1940’s formed a tight network of trailblazers, visionaries, influencers and connectors. When I think of the legendary Charles White I see a connector. Nearly every black artist that created art between the 1940’s and 1980’s were influenced in some way by Charles White. His guidance and advocacy ignited the careers of many artists. … Continue reading Artist a Day Challenge (4) Charles White
In the fall of 1962 a group of black artists gathered in the back of Safety Savings and Loan’s community room. Brought together by a 53-year-old woman with no formal knowledge of art and limited resources, Ruth Waddy’s pitch to the group was a simple one: Her goal was to create a juried art show at a … Continue reading Artist a Day Challenge (1): Ruth Waddy
We’re finally closing out 2016 and I know am not alone in saying this: I’m tired. Last month I saw this Sam Durant looming over one of the LACMA galleries as diners were eating al fresco in the courtyard enjoying wine at Ray’s and Stark Bar. Around the same time my Instagram feed was flooded with Basel pictures, including Durant’s popular “End … Continue reading Truth Sellers: My Thoughts on Loss, 2016 & Lucrative Appropriation
Chris Burden’s work has become a permanent fixture in the creative landscape of Los Angeles. While writing this blog over the years, Burden was revealed to me in many different forms. The most obvious was from his signature massive installation of Urban Light, a sea of 202 1920’s street lamps that he sourced and refurbished since 2000 … Continue reading RIP Chris Burden
In November I saw “Sharecropper” by Elizabeth Catlett at LACMA. I loved the depiction of the duality of strength and despair shown as byproducts of exploitation in this piece. As a graphic designer and sculptor in the 30’s and 40’s, much of Catlett’s art highlighted African-American and Mexican women as caretakers, patriarchs, workers and nurturers; her work was used as a platform … Continue reading Artist a Day Challenge No.4: Elizabeth Catlett
“I created the wrap dress but then the wrap dress had a life of its own.”~DVF Forty years ago, designer Diane Von Furstenberg introduced the wrap dress whose timeless style has become a staple in many women’s wardrobes. The simplicity of the dress’ construction coupled with Diane’s powerful graphic prints unite in a style that … Continue reading Fantastic Voyage: Diane Von Furstenberg’s Journey of a Dress
Admittedly I am struggling with how to write about James Turrell. Anyone adjacent to or fully immersed in the art world has either been to one of the three simultaneous exhibits happening across the country or has a strong opinion that lauds or pans Turrell’s work. I am not in that world, but as a … Continue reading Step Into the Light: James Turrell @ LACMA
Culture Shock Art 