A transformative gift: Los Angeles’ art scene gets a boost
A monumental donation to LA’s art institutions
In a significant move for the Los Angeles art community, Jarl Mohn, former CEO of NPR and E! Entertainment Television, along with his wife Pamela Mohn, has donated a substantial collection of contemporary art to three of the city’s premier museums: the Hammer Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). This generous gift, comprising 260 artworks, will be jointly owned and managed by these institutions, marking a new era of collaboration and cultural enrichment.
The Mohn Art Collective: A new model for collaboration
The joint effort by these three museums has been aptly named the Mohn Art Collective: Hammer, LACMA, MOCA, or MAC3 for short. This initiative not only includes the Mohns’ donation but also an endowment for annual acquisitions and the ongoing care and storage of the collection. The Hammer Museum plans to enhance the MAC3 collection with 80 works previously acquired through its Made in L.A. biennials since 2012.
Curators from the three institutions have already made their first joint acquisitions, selecting 16 works from “Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living.” This brings the total number of artworks in the MAC3 collection to 356, establishing a groundbreaking model for institutional collaboration and commitment to supporting Los Angeles’ artist communities.
A diverse and dynamic collection
The existing Mohn Collection includes works by over 125 Los Angeles-based artists, many of whom have participated in the Made in L.A. biennials. Notable artists in the collection include Aria Dean, rafa esparza, Lauren Halsey, Luchita Hurtado, Arthur Jafa, Silke Otto-Knapp, Analia Saban, Martine Syms, and Kandis Williams. The collection also features pop culture-friendly works by artists such as Karon Davis, Mark Grotjahn, Rodney McMillian, and Cauleen Smith.
A personal reflection on the impact of the Mohn gift
As a cinema, TV series, and music enthusiast, the significance of this donation cannot be overstated. The Mohns’ gift not only enriches the cultural landscape of Los Angeles but also provides a unique opportunity for the public to engage with contemporary art in new and meaningful ways. The collaborative nature of the MAC3 initiative ensures that these artworks will be accessible to a broader audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse and dynamic art scene in Los Angeles.
The future of the MAC3 collection
The MAC3 collection will be available for display at each of the three institutions, with a priority on lending programs to encourage the works’ exhibition at other museums worldwide. This approach not only enhances the visibility of Los Angeles-based artists but also promotes a global dialogue about contemporary art.
Every other year, acquisitions will be made directly from future editions of the Hammer Museum’s Made in L.A. biennial. During non-biennial years, curators from the three institutions will work together to identify works for acquisition by visiting studios, exhibitions, and more. This ongoing collaboration ensures that the MAC3 collection remains dynamic and reflective of the evolving art scene in Los Angeles.
A closer look at some featured artists
Arthur Jafa‘s work, such as “Bloods II” (2020), included in the Mohns’ gift, exemplifies the powerful and thought-provoking nature of the collection. Jafa’s art often explores themes of race, identity, and culture, making his inclusion in the MAC3 collection particularly significant.
Lauren Halsey‘s installations, which often incorporate elements of urban architecture and community, provide a unique perspective on the lived experiences of Los Angeles residents. Her work challenges viewers to consider the social and cultural dynamics of the city.
Martine Syms‘ multimedia projects, which blend video, performance, and text, offer a critical examination of contemporary culture and media. Syms’ work is a testament to the innovative and interdisciplinary nature of the MAC3 collection.
Conclusion
The Mohns’ donation to the Hammer Museum, LACMA, and MOCA represents a transformative moment for the Los Angeles art community. The MAC3 initiative not only enriches the cultural landscape of the city but also sets a new standard for institutional collaboration and support for local artists. As the collection continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly inspire and engage audiences for years to come.
For more information on the artists and their works, visit the following links: