I visited Human Condition the week of Halloween at the abandoned Los Angeles Metropolitan Medical Center. With three floors and over 8o artists, I decided to start at the top, with curation. I reached out to John Wolf, the Los Angeles based art advisor and mastermind behind this large exhibition.
Patrick Mcelnea // Dr. Super Igor // single channel hd video // 2015
Q&A by Nazish Chunara
How did Human Condition come together? What was the process like?
The Human Condition stemmed from a personal desire to feel emotion. I had a shortlist of figurative artists that elicited a visceral feeling to me. At the moment of inception, I did not have a physical space for the show. It was when a client of mine mentioned the acquisition of the abandoned hospital that a light bulb illuminated. Upon viewing the space I knew that it was within these walls that previously stored so much human emotion I would find a great fit for the show.
The Human Condition stemmed from a personal desire to feel emotion. I had a shortlist of figurative artists that elicited a visceral feeling to me. At the moment of inception, I did not have a physical space for the show. It was when a client of mine mentioned the acquisition of the abandoned hospital that a light bulb illuminated. Upon viewing the space I knew that it was within these walls that previously stored so much human emotion I would find a great fit for the show.
Polly Borland // Ring a Ring a Rosy // 2001
 Tanya Batura // Achromic B // 2012 | There are so many wonderful artists and so many works of art. Did you decide that it was going to be this large when you initially started planning? No! I initially thought maybe 20 artists. The space is so big, I couldn’t stop, there were too many great works to display, so I kept going, finally capping it at 87 ;) What were some frustrations that you encountered? There were the day-to-day curatorial frustrations of artists whose works were not available, or the short timeline being a hinderance, but ultimately my own inner doubts that were the most frustrating. I chose not to listen to them, and forged ahead, not knowing if anyone would come see the show. Turns out people came ;) 2000 people on opening night. Do you have plans to curate another show? Yes, it will be even more immersive and intense, a surprise, so no spoilers! |
Alexander Yulish // acrylic on canvas // 2016
What do you see through the lens of this role in the contemporary art world that you may not have otherwise known about?
People are craving a different experience. The white walls of a gallery have gotten tired. The site specificity of unique exhibitions like this are what excites younger generations to educate themselves on the art world.
People are craving a different experience. The white walls of a gallery have gotten tired. The site specificity of unique exhibitions like this are what excites younger generations to educate themselves on the art world.
What is your role as an art broker?
As a private art dealer, I assist clients in creating outstanding collections based on pre-defined goals. I work in contemporary, post-war, and emerging. I work tirelessly to source the best works for clients, whether new to collecting or established.
As a private art dealer, I assist clients in creating outstanding collections based on pre-defined goals. I work in contemporary, post-war, and emerging. I work tirelessly to source the best works for clients, whether new to collecting or established.
Christopher Reynolds // 2013 - 2016
What is something every artist should know, from an art broker’s perspective?
Kindness and being really cooperative will get you everywhere. You have to earn your stripes just like anyone else. No one owes you anything just because you’re an artist. Your ego is not your amigo. Share.
When or how did you decide to pursue a career in the arts?
I was a collector and passionate about art, educating myself at every chance I could get. It was an organic process to become an advisor as I was being asked by myriad friends and colleagues for advice. It was shortly after I realized I could make a living doing it!
Kindness and being really cooperative will get you everywhere. You have to earn your stripes just like anyone else. No one owes you anything just because you’re an artist. Your ego is not your amigo. Share.
When or how did you decide to pursue a career in the arts?
I was a collector and passionate about art, educating myself at every chance I could get. It was an organic process to become an advisor as I was being asked by myriad friends and colleagues for advice. It was shortly after I realized I could make a living doing it!
Marl Verabioff // LOAN-DILF // 2015
Other than centers such as The Getty, I’ve never experienced art this way. What kind of feedback have you received about this exhibition?
People have been “delightfully” overwhelmed, they have mentioned enjoying having so many works to experience. The excitement of turning a corner and seeing something different and unexpected is a fantastical experience.
 Christopher Reynolds // video installation |  Owen Kydd // With Your Shadows // 2016 |
With the current political climate, what kind of efforts do you foresee within the contemporary art world?
Anytime there is dramatic political change, artists and culture rise up in response. Whether with blatant statements, or with process change and enhanced creativity - there will be a surge of new work that is truly inspirational. Whatever your opinion on the new president, one thing is certain - disruption will take place, and positive movement in the art world, and I believe, enhanced investment in buying work.
Anytime there is dramatic political change, artists and culture rise up in response. Whether with blatant statements, or with process change and enhanced creativity - there will be a surge of new work that is truly inspirational. Whatever your opinion on the new president, one thing is certain - disruption will take place, and positive movement in the art world, and I believe, enhanced investment in buying work.
Amir Fallah // Evil Eye // installation // 2016
Photos // Josh White
For a full artist list, check out the exhibiton's website:
Human Condition
2231 S. Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Exhibition through November 30th
Hours | Fri, Sat and Sun 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
You can also see the works on Artsy
#TheHospital
For a full artist list, check out the exhibiton's website:
Human Condition
2231 S. Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Exhibition through November 30th
Hours | Fri, Sat and Sun 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
You can also see the works on Artsy
#TheHospital
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