Los Angeles Artists and Collectors Grapple with Devastating Wildfire Losses
As the Los Angeles area embarks on the monumental task of rebuilding after the most destructive wildfires in its history, the city’s artists and art collectors are mourning the loss of what could amount to billions of dollars in irreplaceable art.The fires, which ravaged the region for weeks, destroyed over 13,000 structures, including homes and studios in affluent neighborhoods like the Palisades and the artist-rich town of Altadena.
For many, the devastation is personal. Brad Eberhard, an artist and owner of Altadena’s Alto Beta gallery, lost not only his studio but also between 50 and 70 of his own sculptures and about two dozen pieces from his friends and colleagues. “Ther’s part of me that’s numb or in shock,” Eberhard said. “Every half hour I remember another thing gone.” When he returned to the gallery, “all I recognized was an aluminum door frame.”
Alto Beta, a 550-square-foot space in an Altadena shopping center, was known for showcasing artists who hadn’t exhibited in Los Angeles in the past three years. Just days before the gallery burned down, it had opened a show called “Quiver,” featuring paintings by Los angeles-based artist Mary Anna Pomonis. pomonis described the work as female-centered paintings rooted in devotional imagery. “It felt like it was an appropriately dramatic response to work that I felt dealt on that scale of an epic narrative,” she said.
The fires also claimed the Malibu home of Kim McCarty, a watercolor painter and co-owner of Michael’s Santa Monica restaurant. mccarty’s home housed artwork from friends like Roger Herman, a German-born artist, and Pippa Garner, an American artist who passed away in December. “(I’m) sad to lose that all as it’s such a loving thing,” McCarty said, adding that she was unable to salvage any of her own artwork before evacuating.Experts estimate that the Los Angeles wildfires could be the most expensive disaster in U.S. history, with AccuWeather projecting at least $250 billion in losses. Christopher Wise, vice president at Risk Strategies, noted that while it’s too early to quantify art-related losses, there were likely “billions” of dollars worth of fine art in the affected areas.”If you take a look at the size of the areas that are under threat or have burned, the scale of it really is staggering,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, the organizers of Frieze Los Angeles have decided to proceed with the international art fair, scheduled for late February.Marc Selwyn, owner of Marc Selwyn Fine art, emphasized the importance of moving forward.”I think it’s vital that people know that LA is open for business and art is something that can be a boost for people in these kinds of times,” he said.
In a show of solidarity,the Getty museum and several major art organizations have established a $12 million LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund to provide emergency relief to artists and arts workers.For Eberhard,the disaster has revealed the depth of the artistic community’s compassion. “I didn’t know that the artist community was this caring. I really didn’t, because artists are notoriously, and accurately, autonomous, self-reliant, like little islands,” he said.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————–|————-|
| Structures Destroyed | Over 13,000 |
| Estimated Losses | $250 billion (AccuWeather) |
| art-Related Losses | Possibly billions of dollars |
| Relief Fund | $12 million LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund |
| frieze Los Angeles | Scheduled for late February |
As Los Angeles begins to rebuild, the resilience of its artistic community shines thru, offering a glimmer of hope amid the ashes.
Headline:
“Galvanizing through Loss: A conversation with James reproach, Art Historian and Specialist in Disaster Recovery”
Introduction:
In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles, we speak with James reproach, a renowned art historian and specialist in disaster recovery, about the impact these fires have had on the city’s artistic community. with billions of dollars’ worth of art lost and over 13,000 structures destroyed, the road to recovery is long, but the resilience of LA’s artists and art lovers shines through.
Interview:
Q (Senior Editor): James, thank you for joining us today. The wildfires in LA have been catastrophic, with some estimates suggesting billions of dollars in art-related losses alone. Can you help our readers understand the magnitude of this loss?
A (James reproach): Thank you for having me. The scale of this disaster is truly staggering. When you consider the size of the areas affected, the number of structures destroyed, and the density of artistic communities within these areas, it’s clear that we’re looking at an unprecedented loss of art and cultural heritage. We’re not just talking about monetary value here; we’re talking about irreplaceable pieces that hold significant cultural, ancient, and emotional value.
Q: Many artists and collectors have lost not just artwork, but also their personal spaces to create and showcase their work. How has this personal loss affected the artistic community?
A: The personal loss is profound. For many artists, their studios are more than just workspaces; they’re sacred spaces where they create, experiment, and grow. Losing these spaces, along with the artwork within them, can feel like a loss of identity, a loss of a part of one’s self. But as we’ve seen, this shared experience has also brought the community closer together, with artists supporting each other in ways we’re only now starting to understand.
Q: One of the many positive outcomes from this tragedy is the establishment of the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. Can you tell us more about this initiative and its importance?
A: The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund is a remarkable display of solidarity. Organized by the Getty Museum and several major art organizations, it’s providing emergency relief to artists and arts workers affected by the fires. Its importance cannot be overstated. Art is often a labor of love, and many artists live from project to project, with little financial cushion.This fund, along with other initiatives, is ensuring that artists can continue to create during this difficult time.
Q: Despite the destruction, Frieze Los Angeles is proceeding as planned for late February. What does this decision say about the city’s determination to bounce back?
A: It’s a clear statement that LA is open for business and that art will continue to play a vital role in the city’s culture and economy. These fairs bring in visitors from all over the world, supporting local businesses and shining a spotlight on LA’s artistic community. By proceeding with the fair, organizers are not only demonstrating their faith in the city’s resilience but also their commitment to supporting the artists and gallerists affected by the fires.
Q: James, what advice would you give to those looking to support the arts in LA as the city continues to rebuild?
A: There are many ways to support the arts in LA right now. Aside from contributing to relief funds, consider purchasing work directly from affected artists, attending local art events, and advocating for arts education and funding. We can all play a part in ensuring that LA’s artistic community not only recovers but thrives in the wake of these devastating fires.