“nativemanson” by Arthur Jafa
Where: Sprüth Magers
When: September 14–December 14, 2024
Why It’s Worth a Look: Hailing from Tupelo, Mississippi, Arthur Jafa has spent the past 30 years exploring his identity as a Black man in America through a variety of visual art forms including film, murals, and sculpture. This kaleidoscopic exhibition at Sprüth Magers will feature his latest film, BG, a remix of Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver.
Know Before you Go: “nativemanson” is Jafa’s first solo gallery exhibition in Los Angeles.
“L.A. Story”
Where: Hauser & Wirth
When: September 12, 2024–January 4, 2025
Why It’s Worth a Look: Titled after the 1991 Steve Martin film of the same name, “L.A. Story” is an ode to the many oddities and wonders unique to the city of angels. Hauser & Wirth worked with Martin to capture the surreal charm of the city while exploring the ways it has changed since the film’s release.
Know Before you Go: The movie “L.A. Story” was Martin’s love letter to Los Angeles, and he has long been a champion of the arts in the city.
“The Open Window” by Brooklin A. Soumahoro
Where: François Ghebaly
When: September 7–October 12, 2024
Why It’s Worth a Look: Painter and visual artist Brooklin A. Soumahoro’s first exhibition with François Ghebaly features 10 abstract images stemming directly from Henri Matisse’s 1905 masterwork Open Window, Collioure. Like Matisse, Soumahoro’s work is an ode to his love for southern France (we don’t blame him!).
Know Before you Go: Soumahoro spent years researching color theory in order to develop the unique patterns and textures that are on view in “The Open Window.”
“Thinking Out Loud” by Genevieve Gaignard
Where: Vielmetter Los Angeles
When: September 21–November 2, 2024
Why It’s Worth a Look: A multidisciplinary artist from Massachusetts, Genevieve Gaignard uses various visual media to explore her identity as a biracial woman through the lens of contemporary American society.
Know Before you Go: On view here is a new body of collage works presented alongside an immersive environment with custom wall paint.
“Mojotech” by Betye Saar
Where: Roberts Projects
When: September 14, 2024–February 28, 2025
Why It’s Worth a Look: Created during Betye Saar’s residency at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1987, “Mojotech” is a pioneering achievement in altar assemblage. The sprawling exhibit intertwines ritual objects with circuit boards and computer parts, creating a potent display about the impact of technology on the natural world.
Know Before you Go: The work is inspired by traditional accumulation practices in African sculpture, and visitors are encouraged to leave offerings at the base of the altar.
“Through the Vanishing Point” by Eugenia P. Butler
Where: The Box
When: Opens September 14, 2024
Why It’s Worth a Look: During a career lasting over four decades, Eugenia P. Butler (1947–2008) made a lasting and indelible impact on the worlds of conceptual and experimental art. This fall, The Box presents a selection of Butler’s work that explores her interest in transformational states of matter.
Know Before you Go: Butler described her work as exploring the “unknown, the psyche, the world of dreams, and the unconscious.” Count us in!
“Azaleas” by Lotus L. Kang
Where: Commonwealth & Council
When: September 21–October 26, 2024
Why It’s Worth a Look: Lotus L. Kang is a Toronto-born, New York-based artist whose floor-to-ceiling installations often explore aspects of the body and ideas of becoming.
Know Before you Go: Kang is an identical twin, which informs the use of reflections and doubles in her work.
“At Home: Alice Neel in the Queer World”
Where: David Zwirner
When: September 7–November 2, 2024
Why It’s Worth a Look: “At Home: Alice Neel in the Queer World” highlights Neel’s paintings of individuals from queer communities and their relationships to the artist.
Know Before you Go: This is the second Neel exhibition at David Zwirner curated by Hilton Als. The last was in New York in 2017, and focused on the artist’s portraits of people of color.
“Concrete is Fluid” by Lauren Bon
Where: Honor Fraser
When: September 14–December 14, 2024
Why It’s Worth a Look: Eco-hacktivist Lauren Bon’s “Concrete is Fluid” features evocative room-scale installations that weave ancient soils with industrial landscapes to underscore ecological resilience in the modern world.
Know Before you Go: Bon’s commitment to the environment extends to her community platform, Metabolic Studios, which brings together artists, scientists, and activists to solve the world’s most pressing environmental challenges in novel and experimental ways.
“strike the dust” by Florian Krewer
Where: Michael Werner
When: September 13–November 16, 2024
Why It’s Worth a Look: German painter Florian Krewer’s latest exhibition “strike the dust” continues the artist’s personal exploration of what it means to be alive today—from experiences of loneliness and loss to community and love.
Know Before you Go: Krewer spent years as a housepainter before studying with Peter Doig in Düsseldorf.
