Los Angeles is embracing a vibrant and dynamic art season this September, offering an array of exhibitions that highlight the city’s rich cultural diversity and creative energy. From explorations of identity and migration to reflections on nature and mortality, the city’s art scene is showcasing a wide range of themes that speak to both global and local concerns. With exhibitions spread across galleries, museums, and alternative art spaces, Los Angeles is proving once again to be a cultural hub for contemporary art.
One of the most exciting exhibitions this month is “Flesh of the Forest,” currently showing at Oxy Arts in Highland Park. Curated by Tiffany E. Barber, this group exhibition brings together nine contemporary artists from the African diaspora, each exploring themes of ecology, colonialism, and the complex relationship between humans and nature. The exhibition, which includes sculpture, painting, and film, provides a thought-provoking commentary on the ways in which nature and the environment intersect with cultural and historical narratives. This exhibition will be running until December 13, 2025, giving visitors ample time to experience the rich and diverse perspectives it offers.
In Glendale, the Forest Lawn Museum presents “In Bloom,” an exhibition that delves into the floral motif across various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, and video. The exhibition offers a reflective look at nature’s beauty, offering a variety of interpretations and representations of flowers in art. By focusing on the delicate and symbolic nature of flowers, “In Bloom” invites viewers to consider themes of growth, fragility, and the passage of time, making it a fitting exhibition for the season.
For those interested in darker, more existential themes, the “Destiny” exhibition at David Zwirner’s New York location is an exciting addition to the art landscape. The exhibition features Josh Smith’s “Destiny” series, a collection of whimsical yet somber paintings of the Grim Reaper. Smith’s work combines elements of pop culture with deeply philosophical musings on mortality and fate. This exploration of the human condition through the lens of the Grim Reaper offers a unique take on themes of life, death, and what lies beyond.
At REDCAT in Los Angeles, the solo exhibition “Les soñadores” by Maravilla examines themes of migration, identity, and resilience. Through immersive installations and performances, Maravilla addresses the complexities of cultural displacement, offering a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by immigrant communities. “Les soñadores” invites viewers to engage with the emotional and psychological aspects of migration, creating a space for reflection and empathy as the artist navigates themes of belonging and the search for identity.
These exhibitions collectively underscore Los Angeles’ importance as a vibrant center for innovative and thought-provoking art. The city’s artistic landscape continues to reflect its diverse, multifaceted identity, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to engage with a wide range of cultural narratives. Whether exploring environmental concerns, the fragility of life, or the complexities of migration, Los Angeles’ art scene provides a space for reflection, dialogue, and connection. With these exhibitions on view throughout September, the city is proving once again that it remains at the forefront of the contemporary art world.
