LOS ANGELES — Simultaneous exhibitions of an individual artist’s work can be hard to pull off successfully. The shows’ conceits might contradict one another, or differing curatorial visions can cloud the artist’s actual intent. Simone Leigh, a traveling exhibition on view concurrently at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the California African American Museum (CAAM), makes it work. The comprehensive and thought-provoking exhibition spans nearly 20 years and includes work from Leigh’s 2022 Venice Biennale presentation. Its synchronized presence in two distinct institutions — one that honors the Black American story and one, located near glitzy Beverly Hills, that presents top-tier contemporary art to Los Angeles — brings into focus the notions that Leigh’s work purposefully butts up against. By presenting a cohesive exhibition split into two differently coded locations, it demonstrates the futility and ignorance in prescribing a definitive role to the Black feminine in a postcolonial world. Yes, this is Black art. Yes, it is focused on the Black femme. Yes, it delves into the roots of a far-flung diaspora. Yes, it is distinctly American. And yes, it is for you, even if you are none of those things.
Simone Leigh is a renowned contemporary artist whose work explores themes of race, gender, and the body. Her sculptures, often monumental in scale, are characterized by their use of materials like clay, bronze, and steel. Leigh’s work is deeply rooted in the history of slavery and its enduring legacy.
This question is not just a philosophical one, but a practical one as well. The way we design spaces, the materials we use, and the way we arrange furniture all contribute to the way people experience the world. For example, consider the design of a public library.
Simone Leigh, “Last Garment” (2022), bronze. This sculpture, a monumental work of art, is a powerful statement about Black women’s resilience and strength. It is a testament to their enduring legacy and their ability to overcome adversity.
The artist’s work is a meditation on the human condition, exploring themes of mortality, identity, and the passage of time. The artist’s use of clay, a material that is both malleable and enduring, reflects this duality. Clay can be molded into any shape, yet it remains a tangible reminder of its origin. Leigh’s work is also a commentary on the commodification of culture and the appropriation of indigenous knowledge.
The sculptures are not merely decorative elements; they are carefully chosen to reflect the themes of the museum’s exhibitions. The museum’s mission is to educate and inspire visitors through art. This is evident in the way the sculptures are integrated into the museum’s design, serving as a bridge between the physical space and the artistic experience.