Hammer Museum Appoints Curatorial Duo for "Made in L.A. 2027" Biennial
The Hammer Museum has unveiled its curatorial selections for the highly anticipated "Made in L.A. 2027" biennial, tapping Michael Wellen and José Luis Blondet to shape the upcoming exhibition. This collaborative effort signifies a fresh chapter for the biennial, an event renowned for its focus on the dynamic artistic landscape of Los Angeles. The chosen curators, each with distinguished careers at prominent institutions, are poised to bring their unique insights to this significant artistic showcase.
Curatorial Vision Unfolds for Los Angeles Art Scene
In a significant announcement on a crisp July day in 2026, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles revealed that Michael Wellen, its chief curator, and José Luis Blondet, a senior curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, would jointly lead the "Made in L.A. 2027" biennial. This eighth iteration of the esteemed exhibition is slated to debut in the autumn of 2027.
Michael Wellen, who assumed his role as chief curator at the Hammer Museum in April, transitioned from a notable tenure at Tate Modern. During his time there, he spearheaded acclaimed retrospectives, including a recent one for Ana Mendieta, and organized monographic exhibitions for artists such as Philip Guston, Lubaina Himid, and Takis. His experience also encompasses commissioning performances and projects by a diverse array of international artists.
José Luis Blondet joined MOCA in 2023, following a thirteen-year career at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). At MOCA, he has curated solo exhibitions for artists like Olafur Eliasson and Ana Segovia, and is preparing to open exhibitions focusing on Alexander Apóstol’s photographic series and a commission by Cecilia Vicuña in the coming fall. His extensive background at LACMA involved orchestrating numerous exhibitions and performances, showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic talent.
Wellen initiated the collaboration with Blondet shortly after arriving at the Hammer, recognizing Blondet’s profound connection to the Los Angeles art community and his respected curatorial expertise. Blondet, reflecting on the inaugural "Made in L.A." in 2012, expressed his long-held aspiration to curate the biennial, impressed by its ability to illuminate the distinctive methodologies and practices within the city’s vibrant art scene.
As they embark on this curatorial journey, Wellen and Blondet plan to commence their research with an immersive series of studio visits. Their aim is to challenge preconceived notions of Los Angeles art, allowing the current practices and dialogues within artists' studios to guide the exhibition's structure. Wellen noted that his recent relocation to Los Angeles offers a fresh perspective, complementing Blondet's long-standing engagement with the city's artistic currents.
Blondet previously co-curated the 2018 "SITElines" biennial in Santa Fe, which adopted a hemispheric view of the Americas, a task he humorously described as less daunting than curating for Los Angeles. Wellen, while new to biennial curation, draws parallels from his experience organizing free collection displays at Tate Modern, which he believes provides relevant structural and timeline experience. Both curators expressed their enthusiasm for the biennial model, emphasizing its role in fostering ongoing creative dialogues and debates, both locally and globally. They view each biennial as a unique snapshot of a specific moment, offering a particular interpretation rather than a definitive statement.
The partnership of Michael Wellen and José Luis Blondet for the "Made in L.A. 2027" biennial promises an invigorating exploration of Los Angeles's contemporary art scene. Their combined experience and fresh perspectives are set to create an exhibition that will not only highlight diverse artistic voices but also spark meaningful conversations within the global art community. This collaboration underscores the Hammer Museum's commitment to showcasing the evolving narratives and innovative practices that define art in Los Angeles, making the upcoming biennial a keenly anticipated event.