Steve Martin Pays Tribute to Art In Los Angeles

The city of Los Angeles has long been the centerpiece of many films, including the memorable 1991 Steve Martin movie, L.A. Story. In the film, Martin shines the light on the oddities and normalcies that are uniquely L.A. The film’s essence has been captured in a new art exhibit titled “L.A. Story” at the gallery, Hauser & Wirth. The exhibit is the brainchild of art aficionado and actor, Steve Martin, along with the gallery’s senior curatorial director Ingrid Schaffner, and senior director Mike Davis.

An Hommage to L.A.

In the film, Martin plays the role of television weatherman, Harris K. Telemach, who searches for meaning. His quest pays tribute to art in LA. The actual exhibit, however, is not an exact translation of the film into art, but rather of art that is a representation of the L.A. experience.

It features iconic works, including David Hockney’s famous depictions of swimming pools – a reflection of the laid-back, sun-drenched lifestyle that L.A. is known for. Other artists, including Eric Fischl and Calida Rawles, contribute their interpretations of swimming and diving, which reinforces the city’s connection to water and leisure.

Beyond the Surface: Revealing L.A.’s Layers

While it has become somewhat commonplace to make fun of L.A.’s superficiality, there’s a great deal more depth to the city than its glossy exterior. The exhibition exposes the city’s complexity, from its car culture to its social stratification.

Ed Ruscha’s works capture iconic L.A. landmarks, while Florian Maier-Aichen’s photographs of Malibu’s coast—both dreamy and ominous—are a reminder of the city’s delicate relationship with nature. Mark Bradford’s monumental canvases reflect the city’s ever-changing social landscape demonstrating the impermanence that defines much of L.A.’s existence.

The artwork also includes a scene from Martin’s film, where a shootout erupts on L.A.’s chaotic freeways. This is a reminder of the dark side of the city which is both unpredictable and dangerous.

Steve Martin: A True Artist

Steve Martin is more than a comedian. He is also a passionate collector and supporter of the arts as well as an advocate for Los Angeles’s art institutions. His personal collection includes masterpieces by art legends Pablo Picasso, Georges Seurat, Edward Hopper, and Roy Lichtenstein.

Martin is more than just a collector, however. He is also dedicated to bringing lesser-known talent into the spotlight. For example, in 2016 Martin was instrumental in organizing the first major viewing of Canadian artist Lawren Harris’s paintings at the Hammer Museum. The exhibition later traveled to other prestigious venues, including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

In addition to his role as an art curator, Martin has written a novel, “An Object of Beauty,” set in the cutthroat world of New York’s art scene. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamics of power and business in the art world. It highlights the distinction between genuine appreciation and the manufactured importance that often surrounds high-profile art pieces.

A Love Letter to L.A.

For Martin, “L.A. Story” transcends being just an exhibition. It’s a love letter to the city that has been a central part of his life and career. “I’m thrilled that ‘L.A. Story’ is the focus of so many wonderful artists and a wonderful gallery, Hauser & Wirth, which is just across the street from the Troubadour, where I first stepped foot on Santa Monica Blvd., which began my L.A. sojourn,” Martin said in a statement. Ultimately, the show is a reminder that Los Angeles is not just a backdrop for stories, but a story in and of itself.