From Gagosian to LACMA7 Upcoming Contemporary Art Exhibits in Los Angeles
From immersive digital installations by Nancy Baker Cahill to bold abstract canvases by Mary Weatherford, the following shows capture LA’s spirit…
With countless museums and galleries, Los Angeles is one of the most important loci of contemporary art. Each season, LA hosts a diverse range of exhibitions that push boundaries, challenge conventions, and celebrate creative expression. From immersive digital installations by Nancy Baker Cahill to bold abstract canvases by Mary Weatherford, the following shows capture LA’s spirit of experimentation. Whether you’re a longtime collector or simply curious about the latest in contemporary art, these seven LA art exhibitions promise to engage, provoke, and inspire.
Seven Contemporary Los Angeles Art Exhibitions to Explore in 2025
From world-renowned institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and The Broad to cutting-edge galleries like Hauser & Wirth and David Kordansky Gallery, the city is a magnet for contemporary creators. LACMA has been a critical force in the art world since its inception, blending historic collections with forward-looking programming like the Art + Technology Lab.
Meanwhile, The Broad continues to showcase the most provocative voices in contemporary art, often focusing on artists who challenge social norms and redefine cultural narratives. For those seeking avant-garde exhibitions, Hauser & Wirth’s sprawling arts complex presents boundary-pushing exhibitions, while David Kordansky Gallery is a destination for experimental painting and sculpture.
Nancy Baker Cahill: Substrate at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
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Nancy Baker Cahill’s Substrate is an ambitious augmented reality experience that invites viewers to reflect on the connections between institutions of learning and knowledge. Inspired by the networks found in nature, the work links LACMA, the Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Library, and California’s community colleges, presenting them as interconnected systems that foster growth and exchange. Developed with support from LACMA’s Art + Technology Lab, this immersive project explores the potential of civic collaboration in a rapidly changing digital world. Visitors should explore LACMA’s permanent collection after attending Cahill’s show.
Dates on View
May 4th through Aug 24th, 2025 at BCAM, Level 3, Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Why Ocean Modern Readers Will Enjoy This Show
If you appreciate art that blends nature, technology, and community, this exhibit presents a thought-provoking look at the power of digital networks and shared human knowledge.
*Friends of the museum have access to special events and behind-the-scenes looks at this exhibition, so consider becoming a member before arriving at LACMA.
Jeffrey Gibson: The Space in Which to Place Me at The Broad
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Adapted from his critically acclaimed exhibition at the U.S. Pavilion of the 60th Venice Biennale, The Space in Which to Place Me is Jeffrey Gibson’s first major solo show in Southern California. Known for his use of vibrant color, geometric design, and historical references, Gibson challenges systems of power while celebrating resilience and cultural identity.
This exhibition will transform The Broad’s first-floor galleries into immersive environments, showcasing paintings, sculptures, flags, murals, and video installations that critique injustice and affirm the beauty of interconnected identities.
Dates on View
Opening May 10 through Sep 28, 2025 at The Broad, Los Angeles, CA
Why Ocean Modern Readers Will Enjoy This Show
Gibson’s work is a bold celebration of cultural resistance and identity, perfect for those drawn to art that confronts history and reimagines the future.
George Rouy: The Bleed, Part II at Hauser & Wirth
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British artist George Rouy’s The Bleed, Part II marks his first solo exhibition in the United States, bringing his evocative, fluid style to Hauser & Wirth’s Downtown Los Angeles gallery. Known for his intense, body-centric approach, Rouy explores the physical and emotional boundaries of the human form, creating works that blur the lines between flesh and environment. This show continues his investigation into the permeability of human connection, capturing the tension between isolation and unity.
Dates on View
February 18th through June 1st, 2025 at Hauser & Wirth Downtown Los Angeles, South Gallery
Why Ocean Modern Readers Will Enjoy This Show
Rouy’s visceral approach to the human figure is both challenging and captivating, making it a compelling choice for those interested in the raw, expressive side of contemporary art.
L.A. Louver Celebrates 50 Years: 1975 to Now at L.A. Louver
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Celebrating five decades of groundbreaking art, this anniversary exhibition at L.A. Louver offers a retrospective of the gallery’s influential history. Featuring works by legendary artists like David Hockney, Ed Moses, and Alison Saar, this show captures the creative evolution of one of the West Coast’s most iconic art institutions.
Dates on View
February 15th through June 14th, 2025 at L.A. Louver, Venice, CA
Why Ocean Modern Readers Will Enjoy This Show
This exhibition is a must-see for those fascinated by the cultural and artistic history of Southern California’s vibrant art scene.
Mary Weatherford: The Surrealist at David Kordansky Gallery
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Mary Weatherford’s The Surrealist presents a fresh take on abstraction, blending her signature neon elements with expansive, gestural canvases. Known for her fearless use of color and texture, Weatherford’s work challenges the boundaries of contemporary painting while reflecting the social and natural histories of California.
Dates on View
May 1st through August 30th, 2025 at David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Why Ocean Modern Readers Will Enjoy This Show
Weatherford’s vibrant, experimental approach to painting offers a captivating experience for those drawn to bold, contemporary art.
Diary of Flowers: Artists and Their Worlds at MOCA
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Diary of Flowers: Artists and Their Worlds showcases over 80 artworks from MOCA’s renowned collection, exploring how artists build networks, personal mythologies, and creative worlds. Featuring a diverse range of artists including Belkis Ayón (whose work is pictured above), Nan Goldin, Wangechi Mutu, Lucas Samaras, and Kara Walker, the exhibition emphasizes the power of imagination, friendship, and intimacy in artmaking.
Dates on View
March 9th, 2025 through January 4th, 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles, CA
Why Ocean Modern Readers Will Enjoy This Show
This exhibition offers a deeply personal and global perspective on the artistic process, making it a compelling stop for those fascinated by the intersection of creativity and human connection.
Paul McCartney: Rearview Mirror at Gagosian, Beverly Hills
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Rearview Mirror presents a rare opportunity to see thirty-six rediscovered photographs taken by Paul McCartney between December 1963 and February 1964. These images capture candid moments from the early days of Beatlemania, offering a unique glimpse into one of the most transformative periods in music history.
The exhibition features self-portraits, behind-the-scenes shots, and fan interactions. This collection presents a deeply personal view of McCartney’s early career.
Dates on View
April 25th through June 21st, 2025 at Gagosian, Beverly Hills, CA
Why Ocean Modern Readers Will Enjoy This Show
For music and photography enthusiasts, this exhibition provides an intimate look at a cultural icon’s creative vision during a pivotal moment in pop culture history.
Beyond Contemporary Art: 2025 Art Exhibits Los Angeles Has to Offer
If you prefer antiquities or art movements from the past, do not miss the following exhibitions scheduled for 2025 in Los Angeles.
- Artemisia’s Strong Women: Rescuing a Masterpiece at The Getty Center
- Going Places: Travel in the Middle Ages at The Getty Center
- We Live in Painting: The Nature of Color in Mesoamerican Art at Los Angeles County Museum of Art
