On January 10, 2025, the Oakland Museum of California opened its much-anticipated exhibition “Golden State of Mind”, a captivating showcase of contemporary California-based artists. The exhibition, which runs until March, explores the diverse ways in which California’s unique landscape, culture, and political history influence the art being created today. The exhibit brings together a collection of works by artists whose practices range from abstract painting and sculpture to photography and digital art, providing a comprehensive view of the state’s vibrant artistic community.
Key figures in this event include Lori Fogarty, the Museum’s Executive Director, who curated the exhibit with a focus on inclusivity and artistic diversity. “California’s arts scene is one of the most dynamic in the world, and this exhibition showcases how the state’s culture, environment, and social movements shape contemporary art,” Fogarty said in her opening remarks. “From the urban landscapes of Los Angeles to the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada, California is a constant source of inspiration for artists.”
The exhibition is divided into several thematic sections, each dedicated to a different facet of California’s cultural impact. One section, “Land and Sea”, features landscape photography from William Garnett and Diana Markosian, whose images capture the contrast between the state’s sprawling urban development and its stunning natural environments. Garnett’s aerial photographs, in particular, highlight the vastness of California’s terrain and the tension between its industrial areas and preserved natural spaces.
Another prominent section, “Voices of Resistance”, showcases the politically charged works of artists like Sandra de la Torre and Jeffrey Gibson, who use their mediums to comment on issues such as immigration, environmental justice, and indigenous rights. De la Torre’s mixed media pieces delve into the immigrant experience, while Gibson’s sculptures incorporate traditional Native American crafts with modern materials, creating powerful statements on cultural preservation and reclaiming identity.
The opening night included a lively reception with performances by local musicians, including Taeo, a rising star in the Bay Area’s indie-folk scene, whose acoustic melodies underscored the exhibition’s theme of California’s ever-evolving cultural landscape. Yassmin Rashed, a local spoken word poet, also took to the stage, performing pieces that address themes of displacement and belonging, which resonated deeply with the exhibit’s political undertones.
One of the key highlights of the exhibit is an immersive installation by Angela Hennessy, a local artist known for her work exploring racial identity and history. Hennessy’s installation, “Rooted in the Earth”, invites visitors to walk through a living landscape of plants and projections that reflect on California’s complicated history with race and environmental justice. It’s a powerful reminder of how art in the Bay Area often intersects with the region’s rich history of activism and social movements.
The “Golden State of Mind” exhibition is an important addition to the Bay Area’s already impressive cultural offerings, providing a platform for emerging artists while also offering visitors an insightful look at how California’s identity continues to shape the creative world. As the exhibition continues, it’s clear that it’s not only a celebration of California’s artistic spirit but also a call for reflection on the state’s social, environmental, and political challenges.
