On February 8 in Los Angeles, artist Nate Lewis debuted an inaugural solo presentation with Vielmetter Los Angeles, currently on view through March 29. “Tuning the Signals” beckons visitors on a spellbinding journey through 12 sculpted works on paper and a lyrical video piece of organic and cultural harmonies. Highly distinguished for his signature practice of layering photography, painting, drawing, paper sculpting, and printmaking in tactile and cellular artworks, Lewis draws perceptively from his experience as a critical care nurse. Elements of X-ray imaging and lyrical capoeiristas unite to the melody of “Symphony No. 1 Afro-American Symphony” in creations pulsing with historical acts of cultural resistance. New video “A Clandestine Exchange” beguiles alongside the song “Any Train We Can Catch” by Ben Lamar Gay, inviting viewers into a playful and kinetic universe of miniature figure paper doll capoeiristas.
Meditating on the best of LA Art Week, Lewis shared with Whitewall the joy of celebrating with a purpose, his favorite presentations at Frieze, and gaining radiant inspiration from his fellow artists.
Best Event
Lauren Halsey, “emajendat,” 2024. Installation view, Serpentine South. © Lauren Halsey. Photo: © Hugo Glendinning. Courtesy Serpentine.
Lauren Halsey‘s event: A Celebration To Support The Building of Summaeverythang Community Center. Always here to party with a purpose, and Halsey’s event at Soho House to celebrate and fundraise for the building of a community center in LA where she grew up was just that. The crowd was great, The DJ’s kept the energy high and they had live music as well. Lauren also had shirts and hoodies at an installation she had outside of Frieze to support the project. I had to get one.
Best Show
Taw Lewis’s solo exhibition with David Zwirner. Courtesy of the artist and David Zwirner.
Courtesy of artist Eamon Ore-Giron and James Cohan.
At Frieze I was into Eamon Ore-Giron‘s Tile pieces with James Cohan. I liked seeing the translation of his vivid geometric paintings into the tile works.
Storm Ascher‘s presentation of February James and Dominique Clayton‘s presentation of Adee Roberson were standouts in the Focus Section of Frieze.
Taw Lewis‘s solo exhibition at David Zwirner was a stunning show. Tau’s use of materiality and the scale of the work is always impressive to me. The spirit that Tau taps into is palpable.
Best Discovery
Lenworth McIntosh, “Ministry of the Dominoes,” 2024, 108 x 4 8in; Courtesy of the artist and OCHI Gallery.
Lenworth Mcintosh with Ochi Gallery had a solo showing of works at Frieze. I’ve never heard of or seen his paintings before but they were quite a delight to come across. Lenworth is a Jamaican artist living in LA making strong work. I look forward to seeing all he does.
Emmanuel Louisnord Desir, “Temporary Confinement,” 2025, Bronze, 25.5″ L x 26.5” W x 35.5″ H; Courtesy of the artist and Sebastian Gladstone.
Emmanuel Louisnord Desir, “Raging Machine,” 2025, Bronze, 32.5″ L x 26.5” W x 33″ H; Courtesy of the artist and Sebastian Gladstone.
Emmanuel Desir at Frieze showing with Sebastian Gladstone. His bronze sculptures were a huge highlight for me. One of my favorite things I saw in Frieze. Such interesting work. Look forward to following all he does as well.
Best Moment
Kenturah Davis,
“volume I (k),” 2024,
carbon pencil rubbing and debossed text on igarashi
kozo paper,
2 panels with ash vessel in walnut frame,
drawing size: 29 3/4 x 29 3/4 each,
frame size: 61 1/8 x 38 1/4 x 4; Courtesy of the artist and Matthew Brown.
Photo by Larry Ossei-Mensah.
Kenturah Davis and Accordian Press opened an exhibition at Matthew Brown Gallery to support the Alta/Pas Quilt Circle in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. There were quilts on view from members of the Quilt Circle including one made by Kenturah’s mother. Kenturah, her family, and members of the quilt circle have been deeply affected by these fires. In the wake of the fires she’s been sharing how her mother and father are both artists and how much they influence her journey in art making. As Kenturah puts it “As I reflect on the depth of my practice and the intentional integration of various art forms and materials, I am deeply grateful for the rich quilting legacy passed down through my mother’s artistry and the Alta/Pas quilt group community.” She also created a limited edition print to raise funds to support the women of the quilt circle.
Kenturah Davis and Accordian Press exhibition at Matthew Brown Gallery; Photo by Paul Salveson, courtesy of the artist and Matthew Brown Gallery.
Best Vibe
Art Noir at the W Hotel, Los Angeles. Photo by Dominic Macias, Courtesy of Nate Lewis.
Art Noir at the W Hotel, Los Angeles. Photo by Dominic Macias, Courtesy of Nate Lewis.
Frieze in Collaboration with Hammer Museum and Art Noir in celebration of the Hammer Museum’s Exhibition “Alice Coltrane, Monument Eternal” that was held at the W rooftop.
Art Noir events always have the best vibe. I make sure to attend them whenever they happen. The rooftop setting was chic. The lounge bed/couches with the gold curtains really set the venue off. Immanuel Wilkins the young esteemed saxophonist performed an incredible set to celebrate and honor Alice Coltrane. Music has always been such an indelible part of my practice and serves a vital role in how I create. From collaborating with musicians in doing sound installations to composing the soundtracks for my video pieces. I love that the hammer has an exhibition celebrating and uplifting Alice Coltrane. I want to see more exhibitions that celebrate, center and amplify the influence and genius that musicians bring to our world.
Art Noir at the W Hotel, Los Angeles. Photo by Dominic Macias, Courtesy of Nate Lewis.
Art Noir at the W Hotel, Los Angeles. Photo by Dominic Macias, Courtesy of Nate Lewis.
Best Surprise
Los Angeles 5th Annual World Series of Art Poker.
Courtesy of Nate Lewis.
Poker at the Living Room. Didn’t know we were pulling up to the Los Angeles 5th Annual World Series of Art Poker. I’ve heard about it, but never attended an event. The space was huge, with many rooms and it just kept going back. It was filled with art, records, there was a really good taco bar, and many tables of art world people playing poker. I appreciate an annual art adjacent event that doesn’t have to deal directly with art. Reminds me of Parker and Clayton Calvert‘s Annual Artists Basketball Tournament that they started last summer during Armory week in nyc. The first one was such a fun time, my team also won it all.
