Made in LA: Hammer Museum Los Angeles
In the heart of the vibrant Los Angeles art scene, the Hammer Museum's latest biennial, "Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living," offers a compelling tableau that weaves together the diverse threads of creativity sprawling across this vast metropolis. As we step into the museum, we are greeted by a stunning mural in the lobby, a collaborative masterpiece by Los Angeles-based artist Devin Reynolds and Hoist Media. This piece, which can be explored in further depth on [Hoist Media's website](https://www.hoistmedia.co/project/on-the-fence), sets the tone for an exhibition that is as much about the city of Los Angeles as it is about the artists it showcases.
Drawing inspiration from the famed Los Angeles artist Noah Purifoy, "Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living" embodies Purifoy's belief that creativity is not the sole domain of visual artists but a universal potential that can be tapped into as an act of living, a way of life, and a path toward righteousness. This ethos, inscribed on a plaque at the Watts Towers, serves as a guiding light for the exhibition, evoking the spirit of Simon Rodia's monumental creation and its preservation by the South L.A. community, including Purifoy himself.
The biennial is a vibrant celebration of craft, materiality, performance, and collectivity. It positions art within an expanded field of culture that intertwines with daily life, community networks, queer affect, and the narratives of indigenous and diasporic communities. The exhibition is a testament to the rich tapestry of Los Angeles' cultural landscape, highlighting the innovative practices of artists who call this city home.
Through its title and curation, "Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living" challenges conventional perceptions of what it means to be an artist and what it means to create. It asserts that the act of creation is not confined to the canvas, the sculpture, or the stage; it is present in the ways we live our lives, engage with our communities, and navigate the world around us. This biennial not only showcases the work of some of Los Angeles' most exciting artists but also invites us to reflect on our own creative potential and the ways in which art can be an integral part of our everyday existence.
As we explore the works on display, we are reminded of the transformative power of art—to inspire, to provoke, to heal, and to unite. From the mural by Devin Reynolds and Hoist Media that welcomes visitors, to the myriad expressions of creativity throughout the exhibition, "Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living" is a celebration of the indefatigable spirit of Los Angeles and its artists. It is a reminder that, in this city of dreams, art is not just something that is made; it is something that is lived.
