Hammer Museum 2025 Made in L.A. Biennial Artist Lineup

Made in L.A. Biennial: Exploring the Heartbeat of Los Angeles Through Art

The Hammer Museum’s eagerly awaited seventh Made in L.A. Biennial opens its doors October 5, 2025, inviting art lovers to journey into the creative soul of Los angeles.Curators Essence harden and Paulina Pobocha, having assembled a remarkable roster of 27 artists spanning generations and mediums, aim to capture the dynamic spirit of Greater Los Angeles’ vibrant artistic landscape.

“From the outset of this process, our primary objective was to look at art, and to see as much of it as possible,” explain Harden and Pobocha, illuminating the foundation for the biennial’s ambitious exploration.

The exhibition promises to be more than a showcase of art; it aspires to reflect upon the complex and multifaceted relationships that bind artists to the City of Angels. Harden and pobocha delve into these connections, offering insights into what inspires this thematic focus:

“From the outset of this process, our primary objective was to look
at art, and to see as much of it as possible.” – Essence Harden & Paulina Pobocha

27 artists representing diverse backgrounds and creative approaches make up this curated collective, guaranteeing a rich and dynamic viewing experience. Harden and Pobocha reveal the excitement that stems from uniting such distinct voices within a singular exhibition:

What captivates visitors will likely resonate far beyond mere visual stimulation. Harden and Pobocha express hope for a profound and lasting impact, leaving viewers with a deepened understanding of L.A.’s artistic energy:

Visitors will witness how artists, situated within their immediate environments, translate the multifaceted pulse of the city onto canvas, into sculpture, or through multimedia installations.

This upcoming biennial promises not merely a journey through art but an immersion in the vibrant fabric of Los Angeles. It seeks to spark dialogues, provoke reflections, and illuminate the enduring impact art holds within our urban landscape.

Envisioning L.A.: A Conversation with Curators Essence Harden & Paulina Pobocha

The Hammer Museum’s seventh Made in L.A. Biennial is set to open its doors on October 5, 2025, offering a captivating exploration of Los Angeles’ dynamic art scene. Archyde News sat down with curators Essence Harden and Paulina Pobocha to delve into the heart of this exhibition, which promises a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the city’s artistic landscape.

While the specific theme remains closely guarded, Harden and Pobocha hint at a central focus: the complex relationship between artists and the city they call home. “An inquiry into one’s relationship to the city of Los Angeles animates much of the work we will present,” explains Harden. “neither myth nor monolith, this city is many things to many people, and its cacophonous disorder is, perhaps, its most distinguishing feature.”

This theme will be reflected in the diverse range of work showcased in the Biennial. From John Knight’s compelling conceptual pieces to jerald “Coop” Cooper’s architectural explorations with Hood Century Modern,the exhibition promises a multifaceted journey through Los Angeles’ artistic soul. Will Rawls‘ mesmerizing choreographic composition, Leila Weinraub’s thought-provoking stage production, and the avant-garde duo New theater Hollywood’s (Max Pitegoff and Calla Henkel) captivating performance further highlight the city’s vibrant and experimental artistic spirit.

The exhibition features a compelling roster of artists, including:

David Alekhuogie
black House Radio / Michael Donte
Greg Breda
widline Cadet
Carl Cheng
‍Jerald “Coop” Cooper
Ali Eyal
‍ Hanna‍ Hur
John Knight
⁢ Kristy ⁣Luck
Patrick Martinez
Beaux Mendes
‌ ⁣ Na Mira
New Theater Hollywood / Max Pitegoff and Calla Henkel
Pat ⁤O’Neill
⁣⁢ Will Rawls
Brian ⁢Rochefort
Amanda Ross-Ho
⁣ Gabriela Ruiz
​⁣ ⁤Alake Shilling
‍ ‍ Nicole-antonia ‌Spagnola
⁣ ‍Mike Stoltz
peter‍ Tomka
Freddy Villalobos
⁣ Kelly Wall
leilah Weinraub
‌ Bruce yonemoto

This upcoming Biennial promises a captivating encounter with the vibrant and multifaceted artistic spirit of Los Angeles. For more information and updates, visit the Hammer Museum’s website at hammer.ucla.edu.

L.A. Art Comes Alive at the City’s Dynamic Biennial

Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant energy and kaleidoscope of cultures, takes center stage in the upcoming biennial exhibition. Curators Paulina Pobocha and Essence Harden, driven by a desire to truly immerse themselves in the city’s artistic landscape, have meticulously woven together a tapestry of voices, showcasing the multifaceted nature of L.A. art.

“our approach was all about active engagement,” explains Harden. “We wanted to deeply understand the diverse artistic voices thriving here — not just looking at established names,but actively seeking out emerging talents and exploring the city’s undercurrents.” The curators visited artist studios, attended countless events, and truly absorbed the creative pulse of the city.”We were driven by a desire to cultivate a sense of connection and create a dialogue between artists, communities, and the wider public,” shares Pobocha. “The biennial is a platform for showcasing the multifaceted nature of L.A. art, its dynamism, and its profound connection to the city itself.”

The theme of this year’s biennial remains a carefully guarded secret,but the curators hint at an exploration of the complex relationship individuals have with their urban environment.

“L.A. is a city of contradictions—an ever-evolving tapestry of cultures,experiences,dreams,and realities,” Harden observes. “We see artists grappling with this complexity, reflecting on its influence on their identity, their creative process, and their perception of belonging.”

Pobocha echoes this sentiment, noting that the exhibition will feature artists responding to both the myths and realities of Los Angeles. “We see artists responding to the city’s sprawling urban landscapes, its hidden pockets of beauty, and the challenges it presents,” she explains. “The biennial is a space for these multifaceted perspectives to converge and spark conversations.”

The curator’s commitment to diversity is evident in the exhibition’s lineup, which showcases a wide range of artists working across various mediums. “What excites us most is incorporating these distinct voices and approaches into the exhibition,” says Pobocha. “We want to celebrate the richness and depth of artistic expression that thrives within Los Angeles.”

Los Angeles Biennial: Where Art meets Reflection

The Los Angeles Biennial is more than just an art exhibition; it’s a dynamic exploration of the city’s vibrant artistic landscape. Curators Paulina Pobocha and Essence Harden aim to captivate audiences with a diverse collection of works, showcasing the breadth of creative expression that defines Los Angeles.

“The vibrancy!” exclaims Pobocha, highlighting the richness of the biennial. From conceptual art by John Knight to architectural explorations by Jerald “Coop” Cooper and the powerful choreography of Will Rawls, each artist brings a unique lens to the theme. It’s about showcasing this incredible breadth of creative expression and allowing audiences to experience the richness of L.A. art through these varied perspectives.

Harden emphasizes the biennial’s goal of inspiring and challenging visitors. “We want people to leave the biennial feeling inspired, challenged, and with a deeper understanding of the city’s artistic landscape. This exhibition is a celebration of innovation,resilience,and the sheer creative force that defines Los Angeles.”

A Journey of Artistic Discovery

Both curators hope the biennial will spark meaningful connections between art enthusiasts and the artists themselves. “We hope visitors will engage with the art, connect with the artists’ stories, and leave with a renewed gratitude for the artistic landscape of Greater L.A.,” shares Harden.

Pobocha encourages a deeper level of reflection, prompting visitors to consider the relationship between their own experiences and their perceptions of the world. “We also encourage reflection. How does your relationship to Los Angeles, as a resident or visitor, shape your perception of the world?”

The Los Angeles Biennial offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the city’s creative energy, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for its artistic spirit.

How does the exhibition “Envisioning L.A.: A Conversation with Curators Essence Harden & Paulina Pobocha” explore the complex relationship between artists and the city of Los angeles?

Envisioning L.A.: A Conversation with curators Essence Harden & Paulina Pobocha

The hammer Museum’s seventh made in L.A.Biennial is set to open its doors on October 5, 2025, offering a captivating exploration of Los Angeles’ dynamic art scene. Archyde News sat down with curators Essence Harden and Paulina Pobocha to delve into the heart of this exhibition,which promises a fresh and thought-provoking viewpoint on the city’s artistic landscape.

While the specific theme remains closely guarded, Harden and Pobocha hint at a central focus: the complex relationship between artists and the city they call home. “An inquiry into one’s relationship to the city of Los Angeles animates much of the work we will present,” explains Harden. “neither myth nor monolith, this city is many things to many people, and its cacophonous disorder is, perhaps, its most distinguishing feature.”

This theme will be reflected in the diverse range of work showcased in the Biennial. From John Knight’s compelling conceptual pieces to jerald “Coop” Cooper’s architectural explorations with Hood Century Modern,the exhibition promises a multifaceted journey through Los Angeles’ artistic soul. Will Rawls’ mesmerizing choreographic composition, Leila Weinraub’s thought-provoking stage production, and the avant-garde duo New theater Hollywood’s (Max Pitegoff and Calla Henkel) captivating performance further highlight the city’s vibrant and experimental artistic spirit.

“What excites us most is incorporating these distinct voices and approaches into the exhibition,” says Pobocha. “We want to celebrate the richness and depth of artistic expression that thrives within los Angeles.”

A Journey of Artistic Finding

Both curators hope the biennial will spark meaningful connections between art enthusiasts and the artists themselves. “We hope visitors will engage with the art, connect with the artists’ stories, and leave with a renewed gratitude for the artistic landscape of Greater L.A.,” shares Harden.

Pobocha encourages a deeper level of reflection, prompting visitors to consider the relationship between their own experiences and their perceptions of the world. “We also encourage reflection. How does your relationship to Los Angeles, as a resident or visitor, shape your perception of the world?”

The Los Angeles Biennial offers a unique chance to immerse oneself in the city’s creative energy, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for its artistic spirit.