Burn Me! is an exhibition deeply rooted in the lived trauma of the Los Angeles community, emerging in the wake of the catastrophic Eaton and Pacific Palisades Fires and the oppressive political climate under President Trump. The show explores the intersection of personal loss and national crisis through artworks that have physically survived the fires and pieces confronting the crumbling state of American democracy. It serves as a communal expression of grief and resilience, capturing the compounded devastation felt particularly within the LA art scene, even by those not directly affected by the fires.
The exhibition takes on a highly personal tone, as the curators—including the author of the statement—experienced firsthand the loss of homes and studios in the fires. Artworks left behind were altered by fire, smoke, and heat, creating haunting new versions of themselves that reflect the destruction endured. Particularly symbolic are the surviving bronze sculptures by the McCarthy brothers, found amid the ruins of their former homes, highlighting how even damaged art can gain new meaning in the face of tragedy.
The title of the exhibition, Burn Me!, originates from a politically provocative painting by Wally Hedrick, destroyed in the Eaton Fire. The piece exemplified Hedrick’s anti-establishment stance and is part of a broader theme throughout the show: the intersection of artistic expression with protest against authoritarianism, censorship, and systemic failures. The exhibition channels this legacy of political resistance and personal loss into a compelling narrative about the state of the nation, underscored by the pain of losing irreplaceable cultural artifacts.
The exhibition also incorporates both fire-damaged works and politically charged pieces that bridge past and present injustices. These include historic works like Lee Lozano’s drawing critiquing utility companies—eerily echoing current lawsuits against Southern California Edison—and contemporary responses like Johanna Went and Jasmine Rudolph’s Rage Craft embroideries. The show embraces a raw, gothic aesthetic to confront harsh realities while offering a space for processing, resilience, and hope. Through immersive and emotionally charged displays, Burn Me! invites viewers to engage deeply with the turbulence of our times and emerge with a greater understanding of collective and personal healing.
