On April 25, Gary Baseman will open a unique, interactive exhibition titled “Gary Baseman: The Door is Always Open” at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Rather than conventionally hanging his works in a white room, the Skirball will present Baseman’s art in a gallery setting that imitates his childhood home in the Fairfax District of L.A. Each room will be devoted to a different aspect of Baseman’s career as a painter, illustrator, designer and cartoonist and examines his work with an emphasis on the role of pop culture and his Jewish upbringing in his artistic development. “The Door is Always Open” marks the first major museum survey of Baseman’s work and provides viewers with plenty of opportunity to learn about the inner-workings of Baseman’s creativity.
The exhibition will kick off on April 25 with an opening reception at 7:30 p.m. dubbed Gary Baseman’s House Party. Baseman will be painting live accompanied by music by indie rock band Nightmare the Cat and a DJ set from artist Shepard Fairey. The exhibition will be on view through August 18, and many talks, film screenings and tours are scheduled throughout its duration. Check the Skirball’s website for a complete schedule of events and take a look at our sneak peek of the exhibition below.
Gary Baseman in his studio
Gary Baseman at his Bar Mitzvah