SHOW DATES
BY APPOINTMENT
Artwork: Alison Saar, Sweet Dreams, 1983
Lezley Saar
Ascent, 1994
Nature, technology, assemblage and the act of human intervention (the act of creation) are critical components to the working practice of the artist. The featured artwork represents a masterful combination of these elements. The intricate painting depicts a tree growing from the womb of a woman, suspended in mid fall. The image, nestled within the cover of a leather-bound book, is caged behind the wooden spindles of a wall hanging - an iconic example of traditional Americana. The work, further accented by bits of nature (moss and acorns) shows an incredible attention to detail and artistic precision.
Betye Saar
Hoo Doo #18, 1992
Spirituality, Mysticism, Race, Politics, Society… Betye Saar is bold. Her artwork has a vivifying quality and the underlying messages typically possess significant depth. HooDoo references the varied spiritual practices, traditions and beliefs that were created by enslaved Africans in the United States from various traditional African spiritualities, religions and indigenous botanical knowledge. HooDoo #18 is a visually complex and rare artwork from this exciting series and period for the artist.
Selected Artwork
About The Baum Collection
This collection includes seminal artworks by one of the most important generational creative familes in Los Angeles - Betye Saar, Lezley Saar and Alison Saar.
Each of the respective artists had a personal connection to the collectors, Jan and Richard Baum. Jan Baum, a gallerist in Los Angeles from the late 70s through the late 90s, was a pioneer. She successfully braved a challenging time in an unknown area with grace, charisma, vision and aesthetic excellence. The artworks in this collection are a testament to her passion, focus and dedication to the artists she collaborated with.
It is an honor to exhibit these artworks and we are excited to reveal more as we lead up to the exhibition.
Artwork: Alison Saar, Blue Boy, 1986
Alison Saar
Untitled, Circa 1985
Untitled ironically suits this character as title for the artwork. The man could be anyone. Modest in scale and humble in appearance, the sculpture is absolutely monumental. The strength in his visage and piercing blue eyes are palatable. The figure is hanging as if inanimate yet he is alive and overflowing with depth. It is as if the figure is “stuck” on the exterior yet bustling with life just beyond the surface. The figure’s tin coat articulates open to reveal a cavity filled with whimsical paraphernalia (a toy car, pink beads, etc)., a contemporary reference to magical “charges” found among Nkisi power figures of the Kongo people.
THE ARTISTS
ALISON SAAR
BETYE SAAR
LEZLEY SAAR