Episode 17: Remembering John Baldessari

Episode 17: Remembering John Baldessari

Author: Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles March 21, 2020 Duration: 51:39

Remembering John Baldessari: artist, friend, teacher, and mentor — Leslie Jones, Meg Cranston, Fay Ray, Amanda McGough, and Norm Laich reflect on the life and legacy of the celebrated Los Angeles artist 

This special episode of the Carla podcast is dedicated to remembering John Baldessari, who passed away on January 2nd at the age of 88, leaving behind a massive void in the L.A. art community and beyond.

You’ll hear from five people who knew John—former assistants, students, friends, and colleagues—as they reflect on not only his artistic contributions, but his impact as a dedicated teacher, friend, and mentor.

Thanks to LACMA, you’ll also hear from Baldessari himself via an interview taped during his 2010 retrospective, Pure Beauty.

John Baldessari lived a life that was indivisible from his practice as an artist and exhibited great care for his community of students and peers. He conducted his practice with generosity, humor, and deep curiosity that will be long remembered by those who had the pleasure to work with and know him, as well as by the countless who have been impacted by the work of the celebrated artist.

The Carla podcast is produced by Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles and Lindsay Preston Zappas, edited by Jenna Kagel, and engineered by PJ Shahamat. Our theme music is by Joel P West. Other music in this episode included tracks by Ibeke Shakedown, Lobo Loco, Ari Di Niro, Scott Holmes, and Joel P West. Thank you to LACMA, Amanda McGough, Meg Cranston, Leslie Jones, Norm Laich, and Fay Ray.


Each month, The Carla Podcast extends the thoughtful, critical conversation started by its parent publication, Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles. Rather than simply interviewing famous names, this series digs into the real textures of artistic life and labor in the city. You’ll hear from artists in their studios, curators navigating institutional challenges, and the wide ecosystem of creatives whose work defines the region's visual and cultural pulse. These are detailed, meandering talks that go beyond promotional chatter to explore process, theory, and the personal realities of building a life in art. It’s a companion to the quarterly print magazine and online journal, offering a more intimate, auditory layer to their mission of expanding dialogue. For anyone curious about the forces shaping contemporary art in Los Angeles-from the ground up-this podcast provides essential, nuanced perspective directly from the people making it happen. Tune in for a monthly dose of genuine reflection and behind-the-scenes insight that complicates and enriches the understanding of a famously dynamic art scene.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 25

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