Special Section: Art

If there’s a western perspective on anything, there’s one for art. Alta Journal’s Fall 2021 issue celebrates many of the art makers and curators who help represent California’s groundbreaking creativity.

Published: Sep 27, 2021

PAWEL NOLBERT

Nine artists. One museum. One wise old critic. They reassure us that in this moment of enormous change, our hunger for creative expression remains as strong as ever.

A RETROSPECTIVE LONG OVERDUE

The pioneering artist Judy Chicago is celebrated in the city that launched her career. By Bridget Quinn

earth birth, from the series birth project, 1983, by judy chicago

By Bridget Quinn

hale woodruffs 1949 mural portrays black people in ways that segregated media ignore

PHOTO © Robin Dunitz

By Ishmael Reed

hiejin yoo discovered tea, 1919, by henri matisse

By Hiejin Yoo

Gregg Segal

The Central Valley’s Matt Black spent six years and traveled more than 100,000 miles—often by bus—photographing the ubiquity of poverty across the United States. By Jessica Zack

teresa flores sees a strong connection between body and place in mujer con una mesa, woman with a table, c 1926 and 28, by rufino tamayo

By Teresa Flores

michael govan, the ceo and director of lacma, and stephanie barron

Gregg Segal

LACMA reimagines itself for the 21st century, challenging accepted notions of what artworks should be displayed and for whom. By Hunter Drohojowska-Philp

erica deeman finds infinite worlds within ultra violet 2, 2015, by lorna simpson

By Erica Deeman

william t wiley at his studio in woodacre, california, in 2010

Jeff Vendsel/Marin Independent Journal

William T. Wiley and his creative philosophy were unapologetically linked to the Bay Area. By Charles Desmarais

By Stuart Robertson

maría magdalena campos pons, finding balance, 2015

By Andrea Chung

THOMAS EHRETSMANN

Dave Hickey and the problem of great art going unappreciated. By Jim Lewis

Lemon Grove Historical Society

California’s world-class museums and galleries are an art lover’s dream. But don’t stop there. Surprising displays of creativity are everywhere. From desert plains to small-town alleys, here are eight of our favorite places to experience art off the beaten path.