This Is Not My LA Art World

"We're just a week away from Frieze LA, when East Coast dealers and local artists alike descend upon the Santa Monica Airport, but this isn't Renée Reizman's first rodeo. Since the critic and artist moved to the area almost 15 years ago, she's witnessed blue-chip New York galleries set up shop and sideline the irreverent, DIY spaces that shape the local art scene. Without these spaces, Reizman writes, she would not have discovered what art can be outside of the white cube."

"During Reizman's early years working in the entertainment industry in LA, she sought refuge at Machine Project, an avant-garde art space in Echo Park. For her, its success "proved that an ecosystem of artists who thrived without gallery representation or a commercial audience was possible." Though the space closed in 2018, its spirit lives on in other artist-run organizations that are up against a growing number of East Coast galleries opening second homes."

"Graduate students at the University of North Texas have withdrawn their thesis shows in solidarity with Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez, whose exhibition with artworks critical of ICE was abruptly shuttered by the school last week. The foundation of artist Gilbert Baker, who designed the Pride flag in 1978, is suing the Trump administration for ordering the flag's removal from Stonewall National Monument, among other interventions at national parks."

Helene Schjerfbeck's penetrating self-portraits are on view at The Met. Frieze LA will bring East Coast dealers and local artists to the Santa Monica Airport next week. Renée Reizman moved to Los Angeles almost 15 years ago and observed blue-chip New York galleries opening local branches and sidelining irreverent, DIY artist-run spaces. Artist-run organizations such as Plot, Trade School, and Machine Project prioritized experimentation and community over mainstream commercial appeal. Machine Project closed in 2018 but its spirit persists in other local spaces facing pressure from gallery expansion. Recent news items include University of North Texas students withdrawing thesis shows in solidarity with Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez and Gilbert Baker's foundation suing the Trump administration over the Stonewall Pride flag removal.

Read at Hyperallergic