“Top 11 Must-See Shows in Los Angeles This February”

### Los Angeles Wildfires and the Resilience of the Art Community

The Los Angeles art scene has long been a testament to creativity, resilience, and collective action. This commitment was recently tested when wildfires swept through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, devastating homes, businesses, studios, and cultural landmarks. These fires not only highlighted the urgency of environmental challenges but also mobilized artists, galleries, and communities to respond in unprecedented ways.

From benefit exhibitions and fundraisers to projects advocating for environmental awareness and resilience, the response from the LA art world has been extraordinary. Here’s a comprehensive look at how exhibitions and initiatives are shaping a narrative of recovery, sustainability, and hope.

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### **Artist Relief Efforts and Community Solidarity**

#### **Artist Relief Fundraiser Exhibition**
**Last Projects**, Lincoln Heights (Through February 28)
This exhibition brings together works from 60 artists, including Molly Tierney and Tara Zorthian, both of whom lost their homes. Spearheaded by Rachid Bouhamidi and Ilona Berger, the show allocates 60-80% of proceeds to the **Dena Fire Relief Fund** and displaced artists. The exhibition also includes performances, workshops, and screenings, such as a documentary on the late Altadena craftsman Jirayr Zorthian, whose ranch was destroyed in the fires.

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### **Narratives of Resilience: Art Rooted in Disaster and Hope**

#### **Out of the Ashes**
**Craig Krull Gallery**, Santa Monica (February 19–March 1)
Featuring artists directly impacted by the wildfires, the aptly titled *Out of the Ashes* directs sales proceeds toward the recovery of affected artists, such as Kevin Cooley, who lost his home and studio in the Eaton Fire. Photographs, paintings, and sculptures reflect on the devastation and serve as a reminder of art’s role in healing.

#### **FU@K OFF**
**Walter Maciel Gallery**, Culver City (Through March 1)
This politically charged show addresses concerns ranging from environmental deregulation to social injustice under current political climates. Highlights include Enrique Chagoya’s *The Ghosts of Borderlandia* prints and Francesca Gabbiani’s poignant portrayals of fire’s destructive power.

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### **Art and Environmental Activism**

#### **Joseph Beuys: In Defense of Nature**
**The Broad**, Downtown LA (Through March 23)
This timely exhibition revisits Beuys’ environmental activism and tree-planting projects, integrating contemporary efforts such as the *Social Forest: Oaks of Tovaangar* reforestation initiative. Workshops and events link past activism with today’s climate resilience.

#### **Fire Kinship: Southern California Native Ecology and Art**
**Fowler Museum**, Westwood (Through July 13)
Native ecological practices, such as controlled burning, offer sustainable approaches to preventing wildfires. Works by Indigenous artists like Leah Mata Fragua and Lazaro Arvizu Jr. reflect this interdependence between humanity, fire, and the land.

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### **Experimental Spaces and Community Hubs**

#### **1TB Verbatim: Los Angeles Timing 2013-2025**
**Leroy’s**, Chinatown (Through March 1)
This vibrant exhibition transforms a former restaurant into an unconventional gallery, incorporating spaces like the kitchen and parking lot. Proceeds from the bar sales support fire relief, while performances and poetry readings foster solidarity.

#### **Gattopardo’s Atmospheric River**
**Gattopardo**, Glendale (February 16–March 15)
Dedicated to video and ephemeral art, *Atmospheric River* expands its reach with an online component, where 100% of proceeds go toward fire relief. The exhibition tackles themes of climate change and ecological fragility.

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### **Individual Triumphs Amid Loss**

#### **Kelly Akashi**
**Lisson Gallery**, Hollywood (February 20–March 29)
Despite losing her home and studio in the Eaton Fire, Kelly Akashi rebuilt works for this poignant exhibition. Her material explorations of glass, bronze, and stone emphasize themes of loss, impermanence, and regeneration.

#### **The Wave**
**Anat Ebgi**, Miracle Mile (Through March 22)
After losing nearly all his work in the Palisades Fire, Alec Egan presents *The Wave* as a testament to recovery. Accompanied by Jessica Taylor Bellamy’s *Temperature Check*, the two exhibitions delve into themes of resilience and the environmental challenges facing Los Angeles.

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### **Cultural Heritage and Experimental Sounds**

#### **Alice Coltrane: Monument Eternal**
**Hammer Museum**, Westwood (February 9–May 4)
Highlighting archival treasures and spiritual music experiments from Alice Coltrane, this exhibition blends her groundbreaking artistry with new works by contemporary