Reflecting on Four Decades of Art in Los Angeles: A Farewell to The Times
Breaking habits can be a challenging task, as I experienced when I quit smoking 40 years ago. Today marks the end of my column for The Times after 36 years of daily art journalism. Los Angeles has undergone a remarkable cultural transformation during my career, evolving from a small art community to a thriving hub for artists and galleries. The city's sprawl has provided ample space for artistic growth, leading to its current status as a significant producer of new art globally.
The talent pool in Los Angeles has expanded exponentially over the years, with artists choosing to stay in the city rather than moving to New York. The emergence of influential artists like Mike Kelley has played a crucial role in solidifying L.A.'s position in the art world. Additionally, the Getty's massive endowment in 1982 brought international attention to the city's art scene, shifting the focus from popular culture to art culture.
The establishment of the Museum of Contemporary Art in 1983 further elevated Los Angeles as a prominent art destination. MOCA's mission to present, collect, and interpret contemporary art set a standard that has been emulated worldwide. The city's vibrant artistic production, coupled with media fascination and infrastructure development, has propelled L.A. to the forefront of the art world.
Art criticism plays a vital role in engaging readers and fostering a deeper understanding of art. While concerns about a "crisis in criticism" persist, the real challenge lies in the changing landscape of publishing and mass media. The digital revolution has reshaped how art criticism is consumed, with social media snippets often replacing traditional writing and analysis. The future of criticism in the digital age remains uncertain, echoing the uncertainties of the Gutenberg revolution centuries ago.
Los Angeles continues to evolve as a cultural hub, with the upcoming openings of the Geffen Galleries at LACMA and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. These projects, totaling over $2 billion in new art museum infrastructure, signify the city's ongoing commitment to the arts. While the architectural designs of these museums have garnered attention, the focus should also be on the quality and depth of their programs. As L.A. embarks on this new chapter in its art history, discerning criticism will be essential in shaping the narrative.
As I bid farewell to my column, I reflect on the dynamic changes that have shaped Los Angeles' art scene over the past four decades. The city's artistic growth and cultural significance have been a privilege to witness and document. I look forward to seeing how L.A. continues to thrive as a global art destination, with a keen eye on the critical discourse that will shape its future.