Curated by: George Luna Peña
Presented by: The Broad

For his new work called “Pyramids,” L.A. artist Gronk will be re-imaging the opera stage he originally designed and painted in 2013 for Peter Sellar’s adaptation of Purcell’s semi-opera “The Indian Queen (1695). That work connected Purcell’s fanciful notions of the Conquest with current issues of immigration and authoritarianism. During the run of the LA Art Show, Gronk will be painting on a full-size mock-up of a theatrical stage, providing visitors with a behind-the-curtain view of his artistic practice as well as of the set making involved in performance and media culture. Unlike a theatrical performance, the set design will be completed only after the exhibition closes and the audience is gone. Rather than see a finished work, visitors will be able to interact with the artist, participating in the process of making a “political theater” for our contemporary moment. Programs will include a dialogue between Gronk and Peter Sellars, and an impromptu performance, both using the theatrical space created by “Pyramids.”

In recent years, initiatives to diversify art museum staff have accrued considerable currency. Although more work is still needed, the calls for greater diversity have rippled through the art world. In Los Angeles, The Broad has been a leading institution in this work through its innovative Diversity Apprenticeship Program (DAP). A full time, paid apprenticeship in art handling and preparations for those underrepresented on museum staffs, the DAP is shifting demographics and changing the landscape of equity in the museum field.

Taking its title from a speech by educator and former Black Panther party member Ericka Huggins to the American Alliance of Museums, this space features immersive photography and video which highlight the first-hand experiences of DAP participants as they build museum careers.