Los Angeles to Host Dynamic Art Exhibitions in July 2025

Los Angeles is set to host a diverse array of art exhibitions in July 2025, reflecting the city's dynamic cultural landscape. From retrospectives of influential artists to innovative installations, these exhibitions offer rich experiences for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Noah Davis Retrospective at the Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum is presenting a comprehensive retrospective of the late American artist Noah Davis (1983–2015) from June 8 through August 31, 2025. This exhibition, the first institutional survey of Davis's work, features over 50 pieces created between 2007 and 2015, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. Davis's art delves into themes such as current affairs, everyday life, family histories, ancient Egyptian cosmologies, and the racism of American media. His fluid painting style blends realism with dreamlike elements, capturing the complexities of lived experience.

The exhibition is organized by the Barbican in London and DAS MINSK in Potsdam, with the Hammer's presentation curated by Aram Moshayedi, Ikechúkwú Onyewuenyi, and Nyah Ginwright. Notable works on display include "Isis" (2009), "Painting for My Dad" (2011), and "Congo #2" (2015).

Olafur Eliasson: OPEN at MOCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is showcasing "Olafur Eliasson: OPEN," a site-specific installation by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, on view until July 6, 2025. The installation explores light, color, and geometry, engaging with the material and immaterial qualities of the museum's architecture. Visitors encounter a range of sensory experiences that address concepts of embodiment, perception, and participation.

Reframing Dioramas at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its diorama halls with the exhibition "Reframing Dioramas: The Art of Preserving Wilderness," running through September 15, 2025. The museum is restoring and reopening a diorama hall that has been closed for decades, featuring immersive new installations by artists RFX1 (Jason Chang), Joel Fernando and Yesenia Prieto, Saul Becker, and Lauren Schoth. The exhibition explores themes of biodiversity, ecology, conservation, colonialism, and evolving museum display techniques.

Additional Exhibitions

Other notable exhibitions in Los Angeles during July 2025 include:

• "Roots of Cool" at Descanso Gardens: Exploring trees' role in climate resilience through works by female artists.

• Viraj Khanna at Rajiv Menon Contemporary: A critique of Indian wedding culture through vibrant textile works.

• Zheng Chongbin at LACMA: A colorful exploration of contemporary art.

• Jeffrey Gibson at The Broad: Showcasing bold, inclusive art.

• Zanele Muholi at Southern Guild: Celebrating 19 years of Queer portraiture.

Social and Cultural Implications

These exhibitions highlight Los Angeles's vibrant cultural scene and its commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices. The Noah Davis retrospective brings attention to an influential artist whose work addresses complex social themes, while Eliasson's installation at MOCA invites viewers to engage with contemporary issues through immersive experiences. The Natural History Museum's exhibition reflects on the intersection of art and science, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural history.

Background on Institutions and Artists

• Hammer Museum: Affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles, the Hammer Museum is known for its artist-centric and progressive exhibitions and public programs. Founded in 1990 by Armand Hammer, the museum offers free admission to all visitors.

• Noah Davis: An American artist and co-founder of the Underground Museum in Los Angeles, Davis's work is celebrated for its textured and imaginative figurative paintings that blend realism with surreal elements. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 32.

• Olafur Eliasson: An Icelandic-Danish artist known for his exploration of light, color, and geometry, Eliasson's installations often engage with environmental awareness and sensory experiences.

• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: Home to over 75 detailed dioramas, the museum is celebrating the centennial of its diorama halls with a focus on the art and science of preserving wilderness.

These exhibitions collectively underscore Los Angeles's dynamic art scene and its dedication to presenting thought-provoking and diverse artistic expressions.