Following a whirlwind week of art fairs, Los Angeles is ready to explore a lineup of exceptional exhibitions this month. At Vielmetter, Hayv Kahraman reflects on personal tragedy to craft mystical, resilient imagery. Artists Jesse Wiedel and Cole Case delve into the nation’s complex tapestry of contradictions, questioning the essence of freedom in today’s world. A retrospective of Wally Hendrick’s work across two galleries, alongside an examination of Wallace Berman’s Verifax collages, underscores the enduring vibrancy of these 20th-century countercultural icons. Loyola Marymount University’s Laband Art Gallery honors late artist Noni Olabisi with a survey of her impactful murals that have shaped South LA’s visual landscape.
Hayv Kahraman: Libations
Vielmetter Los Angeles, 1700 South Santa Fe Avenue, #101, Downtown, Los Angeles Through March 21
In her recent collection, Kahraman processes the devastation of losing her Altadena home in the Eaton Fire, using her paintings to channel magic, wonder, and ritual. Her figures, drawn from her own experience of displacement from Iraq during the Gulf War, embody universal themes of finding meaning amidst disaster, featuring symbols like Sufi talismans and the mythical Anqā bird.
Noni Olabisi: When Lightning Strikes
Laband Art Gallery, Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Drive, Westchester, Los Angeles Through March 28
Olabisi’s murals, known for their bold portrayals of Black resilience, are distinguished by striking black, red, and yellow hues. The exhibition highlights over 40 of her works, including pieces like “Freedom Won’t Wait” and “To Protect and Serve,” showcasing her fearless portrayal of social issues through her art.
Jesse Wiedel: Stalking the Good Life
Serious Topics, 1207 North La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, California Through March 28
Wiedel’s work offers a colorful exploration of the American Dream, portraying characters navigating the Western US in search of paradise. His pieces reflect a mix of regionalism and baroque frenzy, depicting everyday people amid the complex hopes and fears of contemporary life.
Lauren Quin: Eyelets of Alkaline
Pace Los Angeles, 1201 South La Brea Avenue, Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles Through March 28
Lauren Quin’s latest works continue her exploration of symbols, revisiting old canvases to merge motifs into new compositions. This exhibition marks a shift towards subtle chromatic palettes, emphasizing her mastery of form, space, and surface.
