The dynamic, fast-growing art scene in Los Angeles just got another major addition to its already vibrant institutional lineup—the much anticipated Marciano Art Foundation. The brainchild of Guess Inc. cofounders Paul and Maurice Marciano, the new space officially opens to the public on May 25 and is housed in a former Scottish Rite Masonic Temple on Wilshire Boulevard. Originally designed by Millard Sheets in 1961, the building was re-purposed and renovated by starchitect Kulapat Yantrasast of wHY Architecture and Design.
To launch the operation, the Marciano collection is unveiling exhibitions including “Unpacking: The Marciano Collection,” which was curated by Philipp Kaiser and will be on view through December 24 of this year. Kaiser drew on the Marciano brothers’ more than 1,500-piece contemporary art collection choosing to show current stars, such as El Anatsui, Yael Bartana, Sterling Ruby, Allora & Calzadilla, Mark Grotjahn, Wade Guyton, and many more.
Also on view for the opening is “Jim Shaw The Wig Museum,” the artist’s first comprehensive solo exhibition in Los Angeles, where he has lived since the 1970s. The show encompasses the entire range of his work including painting, sculpture, drawing, and installation.
The Marciano Collection was built largely over the last decade and focuses on art from the 1990s and beyond. Going forward, guest curated exhibitions will rotate every few months allowing the foundation to reveal the depth and breadth of the collection.
Below, see some of the first views of what promises to be an exciting and integral new part of the LA art world.
Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch, Ledge installation view. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer, image courtesy of Marciano Art Foundation 2017.
[Artworks from left] Glenn Ligon’s Double America (2012); Allora & Calzadilla’s Petrified Petrol Pump No. 2 (2010); Cyprien Gaillard Untitled (2012).Installation photo by Robert Wedemeyer, image courtesy of Marciano Art Foundation, 2017.
[Artwork from left] Takashi Murakami’s Double Helix Within Dark Matter (2014), alongside his sculpture,3m Girl (2011); Sterling Ruby’s, SP308 on far wall. Installation photo by Robert Wedemeyer, image courtesy of Marciano Art Foundation 2017.
Right: Takashi Murakami’s Double Helix Within Dark Matter (2014). Installation view, photo by Robert Wedemeyer, image courtesy of Marciano Art Foundation 2017.
Paul McCarthy’s White Snow, Balloon Dog (2013) along with work by Louise Lawler, installation view, photo by Robert Wedemeyer, image courtesy of Marciano Art Foundation 2017.
Paul McCarthy’s White Snow Head (2012–2013) in foreground, with paintings by Murakami on far wall. Installation view, photo by Robert Wedemeyer, image courtesy of Marciano Art Foundation 2017.
Installation shot of “Jim Shaw: The Wig Museum”. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer, image courtesy of Marciano Art Foundation, 2017.
Adrián Villar Rojas, Two Suns (II), 2015 (detail). Site-specific installation. photo by Robert Wedemeyer, image courtesy of Marciano Art Foundation 2017.