LA Louver Gallery Shifts to Private Dealing, Donates Archive

LA Louver, a prominent art gallery in Los Angeles's Venice neighborhood, will close its public exhibition space this autumn. Founded in 1975 by Peter and Elizabeth Goulds, the gallery has been a fixture in the city's art scene for nearly 50 years. It will now transition to private art dealing, consultation services, and artist support. The gallery is also donating its extensive archive and library to The Huntington in San Marino, California.

A Legacy of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles

LA Louver has operated for almost five decades, making it one of the longest-running art galleries in Los Angeles. Throughout its history, the gallery focused on presenting Southern California artists within an international context. It also introduced global artists to the region, enriching the local art landscape.

Peter Goulds, co-founder of LA Louver, emphasized this mission in a recent statement. He noted the gallery's dedication to fostering a diverse artistic dialogue. This approach helped shape the contemporary art scene in Southern California.

Transition to Private Operations

The decision to close public programming marks a significant shift for LA Louver. The gallery will no longer host traditional exhibitions. Instead, its focus will be on private sales and art advisory services. This new model allows for continued engagement with artists and collectors in a different capacity. The move reflects changing dynamics within the art market and the evolving role of galleries.

Support for artists will remain a core component of the new private venture. This includes facilitating projects and providing guidance to artists. The change ensures the Goulds' ongoing commitment to the art community, even without a public storefront.

The Huntington Receives Major Archival Gift

A crucial part of LA Louver's transition involves the donation of its comprehensive archive and library. This collection offers a deep look into more than five decades of contemporary art in Southern California. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino will become the permanent home for these valuable materials.

The archive includes a wide array of historical documents. These range from correspondence between artists and the gallery to detailed exhibition records. It also contains photographs, publications, and various ephemera. These materials collectively tell the story of artistic development and cultural exchange in the region.

"This extraordinary gift aligns seamlessly with The Huntington’s mission to preserve collections of lasting cultural significance, provide access to them, and help generate new knowledge," said Karen R. Lawrence, president of The Huntington. "The LA Louver Archive & Library expands our ability to tell the story of Los Angeles as a global center of creativity, advancing our commitment to scholarship and public engagement across disciplines."

Notable Artists Documented

The donated trove contains records related to many influential artists. These include internationally renowned figures and significant regional talents. Their works and interactions are extensively documented within the collection.

• David Hockney: A celebrated British artist known for his contributions to the Pop Art movement.
• Edward and Nancy Reddin Kienholz: American assemblage artists known for their provocative and socially critical installations.
• Alison Saar: An American sculptor and installation artist whose work often explores themes of race, gender, and identity.
• Gajin Fujita: A Los Angeles-based artist known for his unique blend of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e and contemporary graffiti art.
• Leon Kossoff: A British figurative painter associated with the School of London.
• R.B. Kitaj: An American artist known for his figurative paintings and prints.

These documents provide invaluable insights into their careers and their connection to LA Louver and the Southern California art scene.

Processing and Future Access

The transfer of the LA Louver archive to The Huntington is a multi-year effort. Staff from LA Louver are working closely with archivists and librarians at The Huntington. This collaboration ensures proper processing and preparation of the collection for its new home.

All materials are expected to be handed over by 2029. Once fully transferred and cataloged, the archive will be accessible to scholars, researchers, and the public. This will allow for new studies and interpretations of contemporary art history in Los Angeles.

"Our collaboration with The Huntington allows us to give thanks to the City of Los Angeles, which some of the world’s preeminent artists, scholars, and curators have called home," Peter Goulds stated. "We strongly feel the institution’s stewardship of the LA Louver Archive & Library will aid in telling our story and Los Angeles’ story for generations to come."

Long-Term Preservation and Scholarship

The donation safeguards these historical records for the long term. It ensures that the legacy of LA Louver and the artists it represented will be preserved. Future generations of art historians and enthusiasts will be able to study this rich cultural heritage. The archive will serve as a vital resource for understanding the development of contemporary art, particularly its unique trajectory in Southern California.

This partnership highlights the importance of institutional collaboration in preserving cultural assets. It also reinforces Los Angeles's position as a significant global center for artistic creativity and scholarship. The collection will contribute to The Huntington's broader mission of fostering knowledge and public understanding.