The Los Angeles Museum of Art (LACMA) unveiled its much-anticipated exhibition, Color Theory, a visual exploration of the use of color in contemporary art. The exhibition, which features over 60 works by established and emerging artists, focuses on how color shapes perception, emotion, and meaning across various mediums. From paintings to interactive digital art installations, Color Theory invites visitors to experience the transformative power of color in the hands of some of the most inventive artists working today.
The exhibition is curated by Dr. Lydia Jensen, LACMA’s Senior Curator of Modern Art, who has been instrumental in assembling a collection that spans multiple generations and disciplines. Dr. Jensen’s curatorial approach emphasizes how artists from diverse cultural backgrounds use color not just for aesthetic purposes, but as a means of communicating deeper themes of identity, history, and societal change. “Color is not merely a tool in the artist’s palette; it’s a language that can evoke emotions and question cultural norms,” Dr. Jensen remarked during the opening remarks at the event.
Key pieces in the exhibition include works by Los Angeles-based artist Maya Hernandez, whose vibrant and large-scale abstract paintings use color to explore the complexities of memory and cultural identity. Hernandez’s work, Embers of a Forgotten Past, was one of the standout pieces of the evening, drawing attention for its bold use of fiery reds and oranges juxtaposed against cooler blues and purples. The piece offers a powerful commentary on the contrast between personal history and collective memory.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the interactive installation Spectrum by multimedia artist Ian Lee. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the installation, which uses light projections and sensors to change the colors of the surrounding environment based on viewers’ movements. Lee, who is known for merging art and technology, creates a dynamic experience that reflects the fluid nature of color and perception. The installation challenges viewers to consider how their actions can alter the world around them, much like color shapes our understanding of art.
At the opening reception, numerous local art world luminaries were present, including Los Angeles-based art critic Rachel Thompson, who praised the exhibition for its thought-provoking approach. “This is a show that challenges viewers to reconsider what color can do beyond its aesthetic function,” Thompson said. “It’s about how color can change our emotional responses and challenge societal norms.”
Color Theory will be on display at LACMA through January 2025, and promises to be a cornerstone event in the city’s fall art season. As one of the largest and most influential art institutions in the world, LACMA continues to lead the way in curating exhibitions that engage with contemporary issues while celebrating the creative expressions of both established and emerging artists.
