The Underground Museum: Non-fiction

In 2015 MOCA and The Underground Museum launched a multiyear collaboration that realizes exhibitions developed by the late artist Noah Davis that use works from MOCA's esteemed collection of contemporary art. Davis, along with his wife and fellow artist Karon Davis, conceived of The Underground Museum as a space for exhibitions, events, dialogue, and artist collaborations. Located in the working class neighborhood of Arlington Heights, The Underground Museum is a cultural outpost complete with a garden and film screenings, dedicated to ensuring access to contemporary art and ideas for all of LA's residents.

Non-fiction, the collaboration’s second iteration, pulls together works of art that investigate, either explicitly or implicitly, the culture of violence perpetrated on black citizens. The exhibition features several pieces from MOCA's permanent collection, including works by Kara Walker, Henry Taylor, and Marion Palfi. Artists Theaster Gates, Robert Gober, David Hammons, Deana Lawson, and Kerry James Marshall have also lent work for the exhibition. Non-fiction promises to be an emotionally charged and complex exhibition, made possible by the integrity and experimental vision that fuels The Underground Museum.

The year-long exhibition will be accompanied by ongoing programs that will include a summer film series, artist talks, meditation sessions in The Underground Museum’s Purple Garden, and more. 

Non-fiction is made possible with support from The Aileen Getty Foundation, Daniel Crown and Crown Family Philanthropies, and VIA Art Fund. 

For more information and to receive news about programs, film screenings, and performances that will accompany the exhibition, please visit theunderground-museum.org.