The Rema Hort Mann Foundation (RHMF) is a foundation that funds travel and other accommodations for the families of cancer patients, and in honor of Michael and Susan Hort’s daughter who passed away in 1995 from stomach cancer. In October 2016, the foundation invited over 50 distinguished art world insiders to nominate two emerging artists of their choice for the 2017 RHMF grant—a $10,000 unrestricted cash prize for eight recipients. The foundation is also set out to provide grants and community-based grants to emerging artists who demonstrate a considerable contribution to the arts, and it is a nomination-only application. With a positive turnout, resulting in one of the largest and most impressive pool of talent since the grant’s foundation, this year provided the foundation with eight stellar winners: Johanna Breiding, Nikita Gale, Aimee Goguen, Laeh Glenn, Ann Hirsch, Gala Porras-Kim, Christina Quarles, and Paul Sepuya. The group put forth an array of impressive works, such as acrylic on canvas pieces, digital c-prints, and even a 30-minute performance by Hirsch.
Chosen from over 100 applicants, the recipients were selected by an esteemed committee: Naima Keith, Deputy Director of Exhibitions and Programs at the California African American Museum; Susan Hort, Rema Hort Mann Foundation; Catherine Taft, Deputy Director and Curator of LAXArt; Jamillah James, Curator at the Institute of Contemporary Art; and artist Anthony Pearson.
Christina Quarles, “Now Top That” (2016). Acrylic on canvas.Courtesy of the artist and the Rema Hort Mann Foundation.
