Acts of Living: The Making of Made in L.A. 2023
On a plaque at the Watts Towers Art Center, adjacent to the iconic spires built by Simon Rodia, is a quote by the institution’s late co-founder, the renowned artist Noah Purifoy: “Creativity can be an act of living, a way of life, and a formula for doing the right thing.” This sentiment, along with the legacy of Purifoy himself, has served as the inspiration for Acts of Living, the sixth iteration of the Hammer Museum’s contemporary art biennial, Made in L.A. This year’s exhibition takes on special significance as it is the first since the UCLA building was expanded through a capital campaign, with top contributors including Marcy Carsey and Darren Star.
Since its inaugural edition in 2012, the Made in L.A. biennial has become a prestigious platform for launching the careers of Los Angeles-based artists. The exhibition, curated by Diana Nawi and Pablo José Ramírez, features the work of 39 artists. The curators spent 18 months immersed in a whirlwind of studio visits, selecting a diverse group of artists whose work reflects the vibrant artistic landscape of the city.
While Nawi and Ramírez did not set out to highlight specific themes in the exhibition, a few emerged organically. One such theme is the prevalence of assemblage, a technique that combines disparate objects into a cohesive artwork. For example, artist Maria Maea incorporates wood, seeds, bones, and car parts in her pieces. The use of unusual materials, including a living plant, presented challenges in terms of maintaining the artworks’ integrity. The curators, however, were determined to meet these requirements, as Nawi explains, “The Hammer is an artist’s museum, with the resources to do things by the book, which allows it to be responsive to contemporary practices that… challenge traditional materials.”
Assemblage has deep roots in Black diaspora cultures, particularly in West Africa, the Caribbean, the American South, and Los Angeles itself. Influential Black artists from the 20th century, such as Noah Purifoy and John Outterbridge, were celebrated practitioners of this technique. Acts of Living pays homage to these artistic pioneers while showcasing the work of contemporary artists who follow in their footsteps. Tessa Tolliver and Dominique Moody, spiritual heirs of Purifoy and Outterbridge, are featured in the exhibition. Moody’s artwork, titled The Nomad, is a live-in mobile home that blurs the line between art and everyday life.
Another thematic thread in the exhibition is the resurgence of handmade crafts and traditional techniques. In an era characterized by digital seclusion, artists and audiences alike crave tactile experiences and shared connections. Textiles, pottery, and other crafts serve as vehicles for artists to express their cultural identities and lived experiences. This emphasis on craftsmanship reflects a larger trend in the art world, one that values the intersection of art and tradition.
The predominance of Black and brown artists in Acts of Living is a deliberate choice that reflects both the demographics of Los Angeles and the changing dynamics of the art market. Nawi acknowledges that there is now greater critical and commercial reception for the practices emerging from these communities. Ramírez adds that the biennial’s mission is to expand the canon and give recognition to artists who have been working for years but have not received their due. Acts of Living is a step towards rectifying this oversight and amplifying the voices of marginalized artists.
Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living is a testament to the power of creativity and its role in shaping our lives. By showcasing the work of diverse artists who challenge conventions and push boundaries, the exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their understanding of art and its transformative potential. Acts of Living is an opportunity to celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Los Angeles while creating space for new narratives and perspectives to emerge.
In the words of Noah Purifoy, “Creativity can be an act of living, a way of life, and a formula for doing the right thing.” Acts of Living embodies the spirit of this statement by presenting artworks that not only reflect the diverse experiences of artists but also inspire viewers to embrace their own creative journeys. Through this exhibition, Made in L.A. continues its legacy of supporting and nurturing the vibrant artistic community of Los Angeles.