Jason Rhoades: Drive / Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles

Jason Rhoades saw the car as a means of artistic expression, viewing it as both a pre-made sculpture and an emblem of American culture. Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles is dedicating a whole gallery at its Downtown Arts District site to a yearlong examination of Rhoades’ art through the lens of cars and car culture. Named ‘DRIVE,’ this exhibition will evolve through various themes, showcasing Rhoades’ sculptures, drawings, videos, and other works, alongside historical materials, public events, and modern interpretations.

DRIVE opens with The Parking Space, featuring a Chevrolet Caprice and Impala, a Ferrari 328 GTS and a Ligier microcar, parked in the gallery alongside a video in which Rhoades talks about his Car Projects. In April, the installation will undergo a transformation to include a lounge area, morphing into what is known as The Pit. A significant influx of historical materials will play a crucial role in delving into the different phases of Rhoades’ Car Projects. As summer approaches, the exhibition’s focus will shift towards The Racetrack. This section will feature a collection of half-scale NASCAR-style cars, custom jackets, and vibrantly painted tire barriers, remnants from ‘The Snowball.’ Originally staged as a daylong racing spectacle at Willow Springs Speedway in California, ‘The Snowball’ was ultimately intended for display at the 2000 Venice Biennale and as part of Rhoades’ collaborative project for the Danish Pavilion. Finally, in September, The Garage will mark the culmination of ‘DRIVE’ with a curated selection of framed paper works and a significant sculptural installation.

Jason Rhoades: Drive / Hauser & Wirth Downtown Los Angeles. Opening reception, February 27, 2024.