Big things are happening at Christie’s Los Angeles. The artwork of Cy Twombly, Brice Marden, Louise Fishman and Stanley Whitney are on display for a special exhibition lasting until March 11. We got the chance to chat with Bonnie Brennan, the president of Christie’s Americas, to get her insight on what this exhibition is all about.
What makes Christie's the perfect location for the Twombly. Marden. Fishman. Whitney Exhibition?
Christie's current Los Angeles location opened in 2017. Designed by Kulapat Yantrasast, it is a reimagined gallery space featuring clean lines and high ceilings – a modern take on a classic Christie's building. The exhibition was brilliantly curated by Alex Marshall, our Senior Specialist of Post-War and Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and opens a dialogue between four 20th Century masters of abstraction. This conversation between artistic voices works beautifully within the walls of the building and we feel it will resonate with our clients.
Bonnie Brennan.
Why were these four artists in particular chosen for this exhibition?
Our goal with the exhibition was to recontextualize and reframe narratives around the history of abstraction through presenting work by the lesser-known female artist Louise Fishman, alongside some of the most recognized masters of the 20th century. Today, Cy Twombly, Brice Marden and Stanley Whitney are among the most coveted names in contemporary art. Their work continues to tell thought-provoking narratives.
Every piece of artwork brings a certain kind of energy. What type of aesthetic do the pieces in this exhibition give off?
The works we have on view are superb representations of high points in each artist's innovative career. The Stanley Whitney works feature his trademark colorful gridding in bold hues. Cy Twombly's works implore all of his most recognizable techniques of mark-making and frenetic scribbles with elements of text. The Louise Fishman canvases portray her mastery of gestural abstraction – breathtaking to behold in person. We are thrilled to be presenting them in the context of our Los Angeles space.
The exhibition is overflowing with beautiful work from all of the artists. Is there a particular piece that grabs your attention? Why?
It's impossible to pick a single work from the exhibition. Each is so distinct and I think what's so compelling about the show is the dialogue of artistic voices. The presentation of four different ideas corresponding in unison is what makes this exhibition so unique. I'm hopeful the Los Angeles community will visit the gallery, engage with the pieces and eventually pick their favorites. Our goal with this space has always been to spark dialogues and serve as an extension of the vibrant cultural landscape in Los Angeles in an open and energizing environment.
What do you think is so special about abstraction?
This history of 20th century abstraction and all that it has inspired is remarkable. From rich color field paintings to pared-down minimalism, each movement within abstraction has been wonderfully impactful, often deeply felt by both artist and viewer. The first generation of Abstract Expressionists in New York were revolutionaries in their time, redefining the art historical canon as we know it.
See also: LACMA to Welcome 'Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse' Exhibit
Photography by: Christie's; BFA/Marc Patrick
