The Long Museum In Shanghai Is Presenting First Lari Pittman Museum Survey In Asia
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Check out the works of celebrated artist Lari Pittman in China for yourself
The Long Museum in Shanghai has announced the first-ever museum survey in Asia showcasing the work of acclaimed Los Angeles-based artist Lari Pittman. Titled Magic Realism, this exhibition, curated by Rochelle Steiner, offers a comprehensive look at Pittman’s art from the past twelve years, featuring over 30 paintings and drawings.
Some Examples
Opening on 16 August 2024, the show brings together pieces from six significant series for the first time: ThoughtForms (2012), Nocturnes (2015), Iris Shots Opening and Closing (2020), Diorama and Vanitas (2021), Luminous: Cities with Egg Monuments (2022), and Sparkling City With Egg Monuments (2023).
This exhibition highlights his exploration of these themes through vibrant, intricately layered compositions. His art is characterised by a unique visual language that includes a rich array of signs, symbols, and an homage to craftsmanship and decoration. Pittman’s distinctive style and colour combinations have established him as a leading figure in contemporary painting.
Worldwide Acclaim
Throughout his impressive four-decade career, Pittman has garnered international acclaim, with solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Notable highlights include a major retrospective at the UCLA Hammer Museum in 2019 and features in prestigious events like the Whitney Biennial, Documenta and the Venice Biennale.
In Magic Realism, the recurring motif of eggs, which Pittman has explored since the mid-1980s, plays a central role. These eggs appear in various contexts, from nightscapes and cityscapes to nature scenes, as symbols of life’s potential and renewal. They embody a utopian, feminist vision of the world, reflecting the artist’s exuberant and hopeful perspective on life in the 21st century.
For Your Perusal
The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated publication, available in both English and Mandarin, providing deeper insights into Pittman’s artistic journey and his influential body of work.
