Mary Heilmann, Torbjørn Rødland, Ed Ruscha, and More Must-See LA Shows

“From Pangs to Pangolins” at Shulamit Nazarian
Now—July 14
Now on display at Shulamit Nazarian is an exhibition curated by Trenton Doyle Hancock, “From Pangs to Pangolins.” Named in part due to the misinterpretation of “growing pains” vs. “growing pangs,” this group exhibition creates a running commentary on the theme of adolescence and play. Throughout the exhibition each of the nine artists (including David Hockney, Llyn Foulkes, and Zoe Hawk) explores their own beginning, embracing the dreamlike spaces of childhood imagination.

Torbjørn Rødland at David Kordansky
Now—July 7
“Backlit Rainbow” is Torbjørn Rødland’s first exhibition at David Kordansky. The show features a selection of new photographs (both medium and large-scale), as well as the US debut of Between Fork and Ladder, Rødland’s first moving picture work in over 10 years. Inspired by the Japanese manga, Boys’ Love, the photographs on display depict homoerotic tableaus, illustrating scenes from the comics.

“Made in LA” at The Hammer
Now—September 2
The Hammer presents the fourth iteration of its biennial, “Made in LA,” focusing on new and emerging artists in the Los Angeles area. The exhibition features 32 artists including Nikita Gale, James Benning, and Lauren Halsey, whose works share an interest in themes like the human body and the country’s current political climate.

Matthew Porter at M+B
June 30—August 25
Matthew Porter’s fifth exhibition with M+B, “News From Nowhere,” is a series of photographs that paint a fictional story revolving around a cluster of abandoned dome structures on a tropical island. Through capturing the curious domes, the wildlife of the island, and the everyday lives of three unnamed characters, Porter nods to tales of post-colonial arrogance in a tropical paradise.

Ed Ruscha at Honor Fraser
Now—September
Honor Fraser is showing a selection of prints, films, and ephemera by Ed Ruscha spanning throughout his career. Ruscha’s subjects are inspired by his interests in the areas of poetry, landscape, literature, and signage. In 1990 he founded Hamilton Press with Ed Hamilton, eventually inspiring other artists to explore printmaking. His ongoing practice continues to be influenced by collaboration, typography, and text.

Mary Heilmann at Hauser & Wirth
Now—September 23
“Memory Remix” is a selection of paintings, furniture, and ceramics by Mary Heilmann. Known for her distinctive use of colors and geometry, Heilmann uses these devices to create physical manifestations of nostalgic impulses, memories, and pop culture references. The exhibition features work like Spider’s Stratagem, Hellfire Series #2, and Ming—a piece that is suggestive of the blue and white porcelain vases associated with the Ming Dynasty.