Kaari Upson: Selections from the Hammer Contemporary Collection
- – This is a past exhibition
In her brief yet prolific career, Kaari Upson (1970–2021) developed an elaborate universe woven out of memory, conjecture, fact, and fiction. For Upson the key to accessing the psyche could be found in a person’s possessions, especially those contained in the home. On view at the museum are several Hammer Contemporary Collection pieces from The Larry Project (2007–12), a series of drawings, sculptures, videos, and mixed-media paintings initiated after Upson had gained access to the discarded personal effects of a mysterious neighbor of her parents’ who was obsessed with the Playboy Mansion and Hugh Hefner.
A work from one of her final series, Portrait (Vain German) (2020–21) demonstrates Upson’s continued exploration of identity and personal history, as well as formal concerns such as methods and materials, and her deep fascination with the art-making process. At once familiar and foreign, Upson’s works merge personal and collective traumas, desires, fears, and fantasies.
This presentation is organized by Ali Subotnick, adjunct curator, with Vanessa Arizmendi, curatorial associate.
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Kaari Upson, Untitled drawing installation, 2007Pencil and ink on paper. Overall: 120 x 192 in. (304.8 x 487.7 cm). Hammer Museum, Los Angeles. Purchase with funds provided in part by Dean Valentine and Amy Adelson and John Rubeli. Installation view, Hammer Projects: Kaari Upson Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, November 27, 2007–February 17, 2008. Photo by Brian Forrest. -
Kaari Upson, Untitled drawing installation (detail), 2007Pencil and ink on paper. Overall: 120 x 192 in. (304.8 x 487.7 cm). Hammer Museum, Los Angeles. Purchase with funds provided in part by Dean Valentine and Amy Adelson and John Rubeli. Installation view, Hammer Projects: Kaari Upson Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, November 27, 2007–February 17, 2008. Photo by Brian Forrest. -
Kaari Upson, Untitled drawing installation (detail), 2007Pencil and ink on paper. Overall: 120 x 192 in. (304.8 x 487.7 cm). Hammer Museum, Los Angeles. Purchase with funds provided in part by Dean Valentine and Amy Adelson and John Rubeli. Installation view, Hammer Projects: Kaari Upson Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, November 27, 2007–February 17, 2008. Photo by Brian Forrest. -
![Dark blue image that reads "The #1 Frisbee Player and Lover Bev. Hills 1978"]()
Kaari Upson, #1 Frisbee Player and Lover Bev. Hills 1978, 2008Pastel on paper. Sheet: 18 x 20 in. (45.7 x 50.8 cm). Hammer Museum, Los Angeles. Purchase. -
![Two side-by-side paintings of a man's and a woman's face painted over each other]()
Kaari Upson, Untitled (kiss painting 11), 2008Oil on panel. 48 x 48 in. (121.9 x 121.9 cm) each. Hammer Museum, Los Angeles. Purchase. -
![A psychedelic drawing in green and purple hues, with a blue eye at its center]()
Kaari Upson, Whispering Eye, 2009Ink, bleach, baby oil, pastel, and charcoal on paper. Sheet: 44 x 57 1/4 in. (111.8 x 145.4 cm). Hammer Museum, Los Angeles. Purchase. -
![The artist decapitates a dummy with a butcher knife]()
Kaari Upson, As Long As It Takes Part 1 - The Head (still), 2007Video. 50:08 min. Hammer Museum, Los Angeles. Purchased with funds provided by The Buddy Taub Foundation, Dennis A. Roach and Jill Roach Directors. -
![The artist removes a large, grotesque mask from her head while in front of her a decapitated dummy lies on a table]()
Kaari Upson, As Long As It Takes Part 1 - The Head (still), 2007Video. 50:08 min. Hammer Museum, Los Angeles. Purchased with funds provided by The Buddy Taub Foundation, Dennis A. Roach and Jill Roach Directors.
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