Art has always played several functions in society: a form of personal expression, a chronicling of the present moment and a barometer to predict the course of future events, whether real or imagined. As arbiters in their own right, artists have rallied in recent years to galvanize awareness to the growing threats of climate change, as well as the fight for social justice. UCLA’s Hammer Museum is showcasing a new group exhibition that probes into this intersection entitled Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice.
Curated by Glenn Kaino and Mika Yoshitake, the show is part of the Getty’s regional PST ART: Art and Science Collide initiative and presents 100 works by 20 intergenerational artists, scientists and activists, including Mel Chin, Ron Finley, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Garnett Puett and Lan Tuazon, who were commissioned specially for this exhibition.
The show was first conceived during the height of the COVID pandemic and the racial reckoning of 2020. “The exhibition strives to challenge and deconstruct polarized political attitudes surrounding climate justice in America and offers new perspectives around land and indigenous rights of nature,” wrote Hammer in a statement.
Highlights includes a live bee sculpture by Garnett Puett and a living garden by Ron Finley, monochromatic wall works by Japanese visual artist Ryoji Ikeda, a Greta Thunberg-inspired painting by Yoshitomo Nara and Tiffany Chung’s floating village installation, exploring the relationship between humanity, nature and the built environment.
Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice will be on view at the Hammer Museum until January 5, 2025.
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Exhibiting Artists:
Brandon Ballengée
Mel Chin
Tiffany Chung
Ron Finley
LaToya Ruby Frazier
Cannupa Hanska Luger
Ryoji Ikeda
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Michael Joo
Danil Krivoruchko
Xin Liu
Yoshitomo Nara
Otobong Nkanga
Roxy Paine
Garnett Puett
Rob Reynolds
Sandy Rodriguez
Sarah Rosalena
Bently Spang
Mika Tajima
Clarissa Tossin
Lan Tuazon
Yangkura
Jin-me Yoon
Zheng Mahler
