Art/Museums

LA Art Show returns to the Convention Center downtown Feb 19th-23rd, 2025- Preview, Tickets

LA ART SHOW CONCLUDES A SUCCESSFUL 30TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR HONORING A DYNAMIC ARRAY OF INTERNATIONAL ART
 by Paul Rumohr and Roger Lim
The LA Art Show allows you to step into a space where you can explore the offerings of dozens of eclectic contemporary galleries—all under one roof. If offers a high level of talent and presentation that caters to art lovers, collectors, and anyone looking to bring a touch of creativity into their homes or businesses.
 
From sculptures, oil paintings, still photography, and works in mediums like ceramic, glass, and metal, the variety is impressive. If you love contemporary art, its hard not to think there won’t be pieces that resonates on a personal level, whether for your private enjoyment or in a professional space you might be looking to furnish.
 
When you go it’s worth slowing down and savoring the experience. I ended up spending twice as much time as I’d planned, and it was time well spent.  It’s an opportunity to enjoy the art mediums that you know well and like, but also a unique opportunity to experience how artwork that you may not have thought that you were into makes you feel.
 
Featured also are a few interesting larger scale installations that serve as both artistic statements and Instagram-worthy backdrops. 
 
The world of art is a lot different in 2025 with the recent introduction of AI images into our visual diet. Going through the show it was reassuring to see that human talent still reigns supreme, and if you’ve been feeling a little sickened by less than amazing AI art, treat yourself to the medicine of the real thing done very well. 
 
The LA art show is well organized, and my impression is that the attendees all felt that they were getting great value for the admission price. The people watching is great too, whether they are the artists, stylish, guests, or interested, buyers but you don’t need to be a millionaire to come and enjoy the show, it’s really for everyone.
 
With a show this large and eclectic, it’s really hard to make recommendations as personal tastes differ so greatly between people. I’m going to throw out a few special mentions for booths and artists that I enjoyed, and I encourage you to look them up if you get the opportunity:
 
The Fabian Perez Gallery- An Argentine artist with dark evocative paintings
Larissa Safaryan- Vivid colorfully  lively mixed medium paintings 
Steel Che- Industrial Metal Sculpture
 
I encourage you to look up these artists and explore their work further. And if you have the chance to attend the LA Art Show, don’t hesitate. It’s an experience that will leave you inspired, refreshed, and feeling optimistic about the future of contemporary art.
LA Art Show Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Star-Studded Opening Night

Los Angeles, CA – The LA Art Show commenced its 30th anniversary on February 19, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Opening Night Premiere Party, held from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, attracted art enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Actress Jenna Dewan hosted the event, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the evening.

This year’s show features over 120 galleries and art institutions from around the globe, offering a diverse array of contemporary and modern art. Notably, the 2025 edition includes a significant representation of Asian galleries, with 14 participants from Korea alone.

 

In light of the recent wildfires that devastated parts of Los Angeles, the art community has shown remarkable resilience. A special exhibit titled “One Hundred Percent” showcases works by over 80 local artists affected by the January fires. Curated by Aram Moshayedi, the exhibit highlights themes of recovery and determination, with all proceeds from sales going directly to the artists.

 

The LA Art Show continues to be a cornerstone event in Los Angeles, fostering cultural exchange and supporting the global art community.

The evening featured a live mural painting by renowned artist Robert Vargas. The mural, titled “Heroes,” pays tribute to first responders and was created during the event’s Opening Night Premiere.

 

Vargas, a celebrated Los Angeles native, engaged with attendees as he brought the mural to life, capturing the dedication of first responders. The event also offered complimentary general admission to firefighters and their families as a gesture of appreciation.

 

Attendees can look forward to a special DIVERSEartLA retrospective, curated by Marisa Caichiolo, celebrating eight years of cultural innovation. This presentation features collaborations with institutions such as The Broad, LACMA, and the UCLA Chicano Research Institute, highlighting the platform’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue through art.

The LA Art Show continues through February 23, 2025, showcasing a diverse range of artworks and special exhibitions. Fifteen percent of ticket proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ Campaign, and the show is partnering with the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund to support rebuilding efforts.

 

Tickets are available for purchase at the LA Art Show’s official website:

 “Celebrating Diversity” by Chiachio & Giannone (MOLAA) for DIVERSEartLA 2025

The LA Art Show (www.laartshow.com), LA’s longest-running art fair, wrapped up a triumphant 30th anniversary edition, showcasing 90+ global galleries from countries including Ukraine, South Korea, Turkey and Canada. The team is pleased to reveal that the next fair is scheduled for January 7 to 11, 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

LA Art Show kicked off on February 19 with actress and  producer Jenna Dewan hosting the Opening Night Premiere Party in support of the American Heart Association and California Community Foundation’s Wildlife Recovery Fund. Acclaimed LA muralist Robert Vargas and LA Art Show Producer & Director Kassandra Voyagis walked the red carpet alongside members of the LA County Fire Department and first responders who worked tirelessly during this year’s wildfires. Later in the evening, Vargas painted a massive live mural titled “HEROES” in their honor.

Angelenos turned out for this year’s fair, which ran through February 23, and were welcomed by Viktor Freso’s impressive 30-foot “Bear Sculpture,” serving as a powerful emblem of strength and resilience. Fredy Hadorn of Licht Feld Gallery (Switzerland), which specializes in paintings and video sculptures, stated: “It was a great show for us, garnering strong interest and sales.” Bernard Markowicz of distinguished gallery, Markowicz Fine Art, also saw positive results: “I was genuinely impressed to witness individuals who had lost their homes coming forward to share their experiences and purchase new artwork, embodying a spirit of hope and new beginnings.”

Under the curation of Marisa Caichiolo, the fair’s non-commercial platform DIVERSEartLA, presented a riveting eight-year retrospective, with each artwork symbolizing a crucial milestone that challenges the status quo, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity within the arts. Artist Antuan Rodriguez’s interactive installation “Left” or “Right” showcased punching bags, portraying world leaders and tyrants, allowing attendees to channel their frustrations, transforming these objects into tools for emotional release. Meanwhile, the Argentinian artistic duo Chiachio & Giannone (MOLAA), presented “Celebrating Diversity,” a striking 120-foot-long textile pride flag previously paraded by more than 100 volunteers during the Long Beach Pride Parade.

A few other LA Art Show 2025 highlights included:

·       BUILDING BRIDGES ART EXCHANGE: The “Breathing Resilience” exhibition featured the poignant works of artists who lost homes or studios in the recent wildfires yet continue to create with unwavering determination, marking the resilience, creativity and the unbreakable bond of community.

·       GALLERY DANA BAY: Bernie Taupin CBE, genius songwriter and longtime collaborator of Elton John, unveiled a mixed media mural titled “The Wall,” showcasing the American flag. This artwork reflects that, despite its wear and tear, the flag will ultimately recover and persevere.

·       SNISARENKO GALLERY (UKRAINE): “She, Unbroken” was a stunning homage to Ukrainian-born female artists who have lived through the horrifying experience of war. Through each piece, the artists shared their stories and strength.

·       DAPHNE ALAZRAKI FINE ART: Artist Elizabeth Healey’s remarkable life-sized dog sculpture “Bowie” was crafted from materials, including quartz, stone, crystal, glass, ceramic and precious gems. Drawing inspiration from David Bowie, the sculpture incorporates the iconic lightning bolt along with Bowie’s distinctive eyes. Abstract expressionist works from the 1950s and 1960s were also featured at Daphne’s booth by artists such as Paul Wonner and Julian Schnabel.

·       LICHT FELD GALLERY (SWITZERLAND): Multidisciplinary artist Arch Hades, recognized as the highest-paid living poet in 2021, featured her sculpture “Isle,” honoring the island of San Michele in Veneto known as the “island of the dead.” The inspiration stemmed from the line “poems are like gravestones, marking where love lies,” which is inscribed on the sleek, black “lagoon” surface.

 

LA Art Show 2025

LA Art Show returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from February 19 to 23, 2025 for their 30th anniversary, marking their pioneering role in the city’s emergence as a global epicenter of art. With over 100 galleries from all over the world participating, attendees can expect a rich tapestry of artistic voices and works, ranging in mediums and price points, ensuring accessibility to the next generation of enthusiasts while also catering to established art collectors. Galleries exhibiting include Licht Feld Gallery (Switzerland), Columbia Road Gallery (UK),  Snisarenko Gallery (UKRAINE), Coral Gallery (Miami) and Art in Dongsan (South Korea), to name a few.

The decision to proceed, in the wake of the tragic fires, was made in support of LA’s creative community: “As LA’s longest-running art fair, our mission is unequivocal: to champion the artists and galleries that constitute our cultural landscape,” says director and producer, Kassandra Voyagis. “This decision stemmed from a resolute commitment to aid in the healing and rebuilding efforts while offering much-needed community support and reprieve.”

Free entry to the fair (Feb 20-23) will be given to firefighters and their families as a thank-you for their tireless efforts on behalf of all Angelenos. Furthermore, the LA Art Show has donated to California Community Foundation in support of wildfire relief and is giving attendees the option to do the same when they purchase tickets.

Popular LA Artist Robert Vargas will create a massive live mural, “Heroes,” during the Opening Night event as a heartfelt tribute to the first responders who continue to heroically serve the city. The artwork will also be a symbol of hope and perseverance, reflecting Los Angeles’ unwavering spirit in overcoming adversity.

Dedicated to cultivating cultural understanding through the arts, LA-based Building Bridges Art Exchange will showcase art from artists who have lost their homes and studios in the fires with all proceeds going to support them.

DIVERSEartLA: The show’s non-commercial platform, curated by Marisa Caichiolo, is back with a compelling retrospective, reflecting its transformative eight-year journey. Born out of a necessity to amplify marginalized perspectives, the upcoming exhibition features eight famed art institutions.

Tickets are at www.laartshow.com and 15% of proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign.