No bounds to the imagination at the upcoming LA Art Show: Feb. 19-23
by Bondo Wyszpolski
“Jane Morris” (2024), by Nikoleta Sekulovic, from the Rebecca Hossack Art GalleryThere are plenty of art galleries in and around Los Angeles, and on a typical evening one might be able to take in two or three. But when you visit the LA Art Show, which is marking its 30th year, it feels like you’re immersing yourself in dozens all at once. That may sound like an exaggeration, but guess what, it’s actually an understatement: Over 100 galleries and exhibit booths have been lined up for this year’s event, again at the Los Angeles Convention Center, which opens with a VIP gala on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and then continues, at a far more modest entry fee, from Thursday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb. 23.
What’s nice about this visual extravaganza is that many of the exhibitors come from such far-flung places as Japan and Taiwan, Belgium and the Netherlands, Spain, France, and Italy. And that’s not to mention other cities across the United States.
One country that I didn’t mention, which will be strongly represented, is Korea. At last year’s LA Art show some of the finest work on view was from Korea and other Asian countries. I suspect it will be no less impressive this time.
“The Weeds” (2024), by Elen BezhenOne of the features of this year’s event, back from last year, is DIVERSEartLA, curated by Marisa Caichiolo (who was the subject of a solo show last fall at the Manhattan Beach Art Center). She’s bringing us art that amplifies marginalized perspectives, that challenges the status quo, and which encourages conversations around race, gender, and the increasing complexities of the world around us.
On opening night, L.A. artist Robert Vargas will create “Heroes,” a large mural in honor of the first responders who put life and limb on the line most recently during the devastating fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. On that note, the L.A.-based Building Bridges Art Exchange will showcase art from artists who lost homes and studios in the fires. All proceeds from the sale of their work will be donated back to them.
Artists, exhibitors, collectors and serious art aficionados, will have a chance to mingle and discuss the latest trends in art, and there’s always a wealth of creative ideas, new styles and technique, to inspire us, whether we make art ourselves or merely find enjoyment in the pleasure and meaning it gives to our lives.
“Left or Right,” installation by Antuan (DIVERSEartLA)The 2025 L.A. Art Show: Opening Night is from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and the cost is $250. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 20 and 21, the hours are 12 to 8 p.m. Tickets for those two days are $35. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 22 and 23, the hours are also from 12 to 8 p.m., and again the cost is $35 (those who purchased Open Night tickets can return and enter at 11 a.m.). Please note that each ticket carries a service fee. The Los Angeles Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St., L.A. To learn more, as well as to buy tickets in advance, visit LAArtShow.com. ER
