The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles is currently hosting the seventh edition of its acclaimed "Made in L.A." biennial. This exhibition showcases the work of 28 artists from the greater Los Angeles area. The diverse collection includes paintings, installations, sculptures, films, and more, reflecting the city's varied cultural landscape. The exhibition will be on view until March 1, 2026.
Curated by Essence Harden and Paulina Pobocha, the 2025 biennial emphasizes the unique character of Los Angeles. It avoids a single overarching theme, instead embracing the city's complex and open identity. The featured artists span different generations and artistic backgrounds.
Key Takeaways
- The Hammer Museum's "Made in L.A." biennial features 28 artists.
- The exhibition runs through March 1, 2026.
- Curators Essence Harden and Paulina Pobocha selected artists from across Los Angeles.
- Works include painting, sculpture, film, sound, and theater.
- The biennial reflects Los Angeles's diverse culture without a single theme.
Exploring Los Angeles Through Art
The Hammer Museum describes Los Angeles as "many things to many people." It notes that the city's "dissonance is perhaps its most distinguishing feature." This perspective guided the curators in their selection process. They aimed to capture the city's essence through the artists' works.
For over a year, curators Essence Harden and Paulina Pobocha visited numerous art spaces. Their tour included artist studios, galleries, and museums throughout Los Angeles County. This extensive research led to the final lineup of 28 artists for the exhibition.
Exhibition Scope
- Number of Artists: 28
- Exhibition Duration: Approximately 14 months (March 2025 - March 2026)
- Mediums: Painting, installation, sculpture, film, photography, sound, video, theater, choreography
The biennial highlights Los Angeles as a place of both stability and constant change. Each artwork engages with this idea. The exhibition is an "ode to the people and places" that contribute to the West Coast art scene's growing momentum.
Diverse Artistic Practices on Display
The exhibition features a wide array of artistic mediums. Visitors can see everything from large-scale installations to live theatrical performances. This variety reflects the dynamic and experimental nature of the Los Angeles art community.
One notable piece is a neon-clad, mural-scaled installation by Patrick Martinez. Martinez is known for combining social commentary with visual elements from East Los Angeles. His work often sparks conversation about urban life and community identity.
"The result is an exhibition shaped by the asymmetries of Los Angeles itself — its dissonances and resonances, its contradictions and kinships, its capacity to reinvent while holding fast to history," the curators stated.
Another anticipated highlight is "The Kids," a live stage play. This production was created by Leilah Weinraub in collaboration with Max Pitegoff and Calle Henkel’s experimental New Theater Hollywood. It offers a unique theatrical experience within the museum setting.
About the Hammer Museum Biennial
The "Made in L.A." biennial began in 2012. It aims to showcase emerging and under-recognized artists working in the Los Angeles region. The event has become a significant platform for local artists to gain wider recognition. It also provides insight into current trends in contemporary art.
Outside the museum entrance, visitors will find "Buggy Bear." This is a 25-foot inflatable sculpture by Alake Shilling, co-presented by the Art Production Fund. Its large scale and playful design create a striking visual impact.
Featured Artists and Their Contributions
The 2025 biennial includes a comprehensive list of artists, each bringing a distinct voice to the exhibition. Their works collectively paint a picture of Los Angeles's rich artistic landscape.
The selection process for "Made in L.A. 2025" was rigorous. Harden and Pobocha focused on artists whose practices resonated with the city's spirit. They sought out works that were both deeply rooted in Los Angeles and forward-looking.
A Full List of Exhibiting Artists
The 28 artists featured in "Made in L.A. 2025" are:
- Alake Shilling
- Ali Eyal
- Alonzo Davis
- Amanda Ross-Ho
- Beaux Mendes
- Black House Radio (Michale Donte)
- Brian Rochefort
- Bruce Yonemoto
- Carl Cheng
- David Alekhuogie
- Freddy Villalobos
- Gabriela Ruiz
- Greg Breda
- Hanna Hur
- Hood Century (Jerald Cooper)
- John Knight
- Kelly Wall
- Kristy Luck
- Leilah Weinraub
- Mike Stoltz
- Na Mira
- New Theater Hollywood (Max Pitegoff and Calla Henkel)
- Nicole-Antonia Spagnola
- Pat O’Neill
- Patrick Martinez
- Peter Tomka
- Widline Cadet
- Will Rawls
This diverse group represents a cross-section of artistic talent. Their contributions highlight the varied approaches to art-making in Los Angeles today. The exhibition offers a valuable opportunity for the public to engage with contemporary art.
The City as Inspiration
The curators emphasized that Los Angeles itself serves as a muse for many of these artists. The city's unique blend of cultures, landscapes, and social dynamics provides endless creative material. The exhibition captures this "sunny surrealism" that defines much of the city's artistic output.
From the vibrant street art of East LA to experimental theater, the biennial captures the breadth of creative expression. It demonstrates how artists respond to and interpret their urban environment. The works invite viewers to consider their own relationship with Los Angeles.
The "Made in L.A." biennial solidifies its role as a key event in the art world. It continues to champion local artists and offer a fresh perspective on the city's cultural identity. The exhibition's long run ensures many opportunities for visitors to experience these works.