MOCA’s Geffen Contemporary Closes Due to LA Protests
# The Closure of Geffen Contemporary: A Response to Political Unrest
The Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles has temporarily closed its doors in light of protests against mass raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and increased military presence under the directives of then-President Donald Trump. The museum, located near federal buildings in downtown LA, has prioritized the safety of its staff and visitors by closing through the weekend.
The decision aligns with the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, aimed at curtailing protests against the immigration policies. These actions have led to an 8 pm to 6 am curfew being imposed on downtown Los Angeles.
As a result, the museum’s closure has interrupted Nadya Tolokonnikova’s 10-day performance art project, “Prison State.” The Russian artist and Pussy Riot member’s exhibition was set to run until June 14 and explore themes of incarceration and surveillance, inspired by her own experiences in a Russian prison. Due to the closure, her performance along with planned discussions and concerts have been postponed.
Tolokonnikova remarked on Instagram that the shutdown feels reminiscent of her experiences in Russia, where events she organized were often halted by authorities. In another area of response, MOCA’s Grand Avenue location has also adjusted its schedule and has canceled its late-night programming.
The Broad museum, another cultural institution within the curfew zone, has followed suit, sharing its plans via Instagram. Both museums are located in the one-square-mile area affected by public safety measures.
These museum closures come on the heels of a collective statement from Los Angeles art organizations condemning the ICE operations and expressing solidarity with affected communities. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA), has affirmed its support for the protests, emphasizing the role of art in fostering human connection and challenging divisive forces.
Tolokonnikova has vocalized her support for the demonstrations against ICE. She remains hopeful about the collective resilience displayed in the protests, an outlook strengthened by her interactions around the museum in recent days. Despite current limitations, ICA LA will continue its operations, shifting evening sessions to virtual platforms to accommodate curfew restrictions.