Matthew Monahan at the Nasher

Acclaimed Los Angeles artist Matthew Monahan, born in 1972, is back in the spotlight with his remarkable exhibition Matthew Monahan: Recent Acquisitions at the Nasher. This multifaceted display, on view through July 16th, showcases his proficiency in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing. Intriguingly, Monahan often melds these mediums into individual sculptures, demonstrating his distinctive artistry.

A graduate of the esteemed Cooper Union School of Art in New York and De Ateliers in Amsterdam, Monahan stands alongside prominent contemporaries such as Aaron Curry, Thomas Houseago, Elliott Hundley, and Lara Schnitger. Together, they form a dynamic, influential contingent of artists energizing the Los Angeles art scene.

Monahan’s work injects fresh vitality into figurative sculpture, harmoniously intertwining echoes of ancient art and literature with modernist ideals, while also reflecting upon the contemporary human condition. His knack for merging various art forms into single, three-dimensional masterpieces distinguishes him in the art world.

The Nasher is celebrating the incorporation of five significant pieces by Monahan into its collection, made possible through the generosity of several benefactors. These pieces highlight Monahan’s pioneering method of transforming conventional museum presentation elements into integral parts of the artwork itself. His assemblages bear a striking resemblance to Constantin Brancusi’s work, innovatively incorporating their supports, such as pedestals or open boxes, into the overall composition.

While the Nasher Collection’s recent acquisitions mark its first inclusion of Monahan’s work, the Nasher Sculpture Center is well-acquainted with his creative genius. Monahan’s sculptures took center stage in the 2011 exhibition Statuesque, held at Nasher Garden. Furthermore, the Nasher’s reputation as a premier museum dedicated to modern and contemporary sculpture, coupled with Director Jeremy Strick’s early endorsement of Monahan’s career, largely influenced last year’s donations. Notably, Strick presided over Monahan’s inaugural solo museum presentation in 2007 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.

The donated pieces encompass diverse stages of Monahan’s career, from initial breakthroughs to extensive assemblages. Each artwork not only complements the others but also harmonizes with numerous works by other artists in the Nasher Collection. This valuable addition opens a new chapter in Monahan’s evolving artistic narrative, underscoring his ongoing innovation and invaluable contributions to contemporary art. For those unfamiliar with Monahan’s work, Matthew Monahan: Recent Acquisitions at the Nasher offers a splendid introduction.