[NoHo Arts District, CA] – This month’s LA Art blog features the 30th anniversary of the LA Art Show.
The LA Art Show has proven once again that longevity does not equate to stagnation. Even as it celebrated its 30th anniversary, the show continues to evolve, bringing fresh perspectives and deepening its connection with both the Los Angeles art scene and the wider community.
By maintaining its commitment to innovation and cultural dialogue, it remains one of the most anticipated events in the art world. The organizers have already announced that the next edition will take place from January 7 to 11, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The 2025 edition of the LA Art Show commenced on February 19 with an electrifying opening night premiere party, hosted by actress and producer Jenna Dewan. The event benefited the American Heart Association and the California Community Foundation’s Wildlife Recovery Fund. The evening also honored first responders, including members of the LA County Fire Department, who have been on the front lines of recent wildfires. To pay tribute to these heroes, renowned LA muralist Robert Vargas created a monumental live painting, aptly titled “HEROES,” capturing the resilience and bravery of those who protect the community.
Over the course of the fair, which concluded on February 23, attendees were greeted by Viktor Freso’s striking 30-foot “Bear Sculpture.” The imposing figure served as a metaphor for perseverance and fortitude, setting the tone for the powerful narratives shared throughout the show. The event featured over 90 international galleries, with representation from Ukraine, South Korea, Turkey, Canada, and beyond. Fredy Hadorn of Licht Feld Gallery (Switzerland) remarked on the event’s success, noting significant engagement and sales. Bernard Markowicz of Markowicz Fine Art observed the emotional impact of the show, sharing how individuals who had lost homes found solace and renewal in acquiring new artworks.
One of the show’s standout features, DIVERSEartLA, under the guidance of curator Marisa Caichiolo, took a retrospective approach this year, reflecting on eight years of thought-provoking projects. Each showcased piece pushed boundaries, advocating for inclusivity and diversity in the arts. Among the most engaging installations was Antuan Rodriguez’s “Left” or “Right,” which invited attendees to vent frustrations through punching bags adorned with images of global political figures. Meanwhile, Argentinian duo Chiachio & Giannone (MOLAA) exhibited their expansive 120-foot-long textile Pride flag, previously carried through the Long Beach Pride Parade, as a symbol of unity and celebration.
The 2025 edition of the LA Art Show also featured a diverse array of standout presentations:
- Building Bridges Art Exchange: The “Breathing Resilience” exhibition highlighted the work of artists who, despite losing homes or studios in the wildfires, continued to create, emphasizing the strength and solidarity of the artistic community.
- Gallery Dana Bay: Renowned lyricist Bernie Taupin CBE, best known for his collaboration with Elton John, unveiled “The Wall,” a mixed media mural centered on the American flag. The piece’s distressed yet enduring imagery conveyed the resilience of a nation.
- Snisarenko Gallery (Ukraine): “She, Unbroken” paid tribute to Ukrainian female artists who have lived through war, using their artwork to tell stories of endurance and survival.
- Daphne Alazraki Fine Art: Artist Elizabeth Healey’s life-sized sculpture of a dog, “Bowie,” made from an array of precious materials such as quartz, glass, and ceramic, took inspiration from the legendary musician David Bowie. The sculpture incorporated his iconic lightning bolt and heterochromatic eyes. Additionally, the booth showcased abstract expressionist pieces from the 1950s and 1960s by artists like Paul Wonner and Julian Schnabel.
- Licht Feld Gallery (Switzerland): Multidisciplinary artist Arch Hades presented “Isle,” an evocative sculpture inspired by the Venetian island of San Michele, often referred to as the “island of the dead.” The piece featured an inscription that read, “poems are like gravestones, marking where love lies,” adding a deeply poetic element to the installation.
With another successful year in the books, the LA Art Show continues to reaffirm its place as a cultural touchstone for both the art world and the city of Los Angeles. Through its unwavering commitment to artistic innovation, diversity, and community engagement, it remains a premier destination for collectors, creators, and art lovers alike.
For more information on the LA Art Show visit https://www.laartshow.com/
All photography is courtesy of the LA Art Show