Over many decades, Pasadena assumed an influential place within the emerging Southern California art landscape, yet this heritage frequently garners lower recognition than LA\u2019s more prominent cultural spaces and venues.<\/p>\n
A new exhibition at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts highlights that history.<\/p>\n
The exhibition \u201cPasadena: L.A.\u2019s Art Legacy\u201d presents 70 original pieces comprising paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures by nearly 60 artists. Hosted at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts, located at 600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 102, the show has now been extended through Sept. 30.<\/p>\n
Drawing directly from the gallery\u2019s inventory, the featured items showcase a wide range of creators, including Ruth Weisberg, Francisco Goya, Man Ray, Henri Fantin-Latour, Diego Rivera, Sam Francis, Ed Ruscha, Marcel Duchamp and Alexander Calder.<\/p>\n
Every displayed piece features an accompanying label. This tag details the object\u2019s provenance and highlights the specific year a Pasadena-area institution or museum hosted an exhibition featuring that artist.<\/p>\n
The initiative originated when gallery owner Jack Rutberg began exploring the museum history of Pasadena, focusing on how local venues served as catalysts for introducing influential artists to the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe took a deep dive into the exhibition histories of these local art institutions,\u201d Rutberg said in an interview. \u201cIt proved revelatory.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rutberg noted that the show does not attempt to deliver an exhaustive historical account. Rather, it offers a broad overview reflecting both the gallery\u2019s extensive inventory and the rich variety of art displayed throughout Pasadena over time.<\/p>\n
According to the exhibition\u2019s website, Pasadena has played an \u201coutsized and yet seldom addressed role\u201d in establishing Los Angeles as a prominent international art hub. Rutberg pointed out that although the area has historically possessed museums, art schools, and artists, it lacked a consistent commercial gallery landscape to support and complement the institutional programming.<\/p>\n
The show highlights key local institutions, including the Pasadena Art Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Huntington, as central pillars of this artistic heritage. Additionally, it notes significant exhibitions hosted by the ArtCenter College of Design and Pasadena City College.<\/p>\n
One featured piece is \u201cPasadena Bridge,\u201d a 1948 oil painting by Hans Burkhardt. Rather than depicting the local Colorado Street Bridge in the traditional realist style typically associated with it, Burkhardt rendered the landmark using a surrealist, expressionist approach.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the presentation features \u201cBouquet of Flowers,\u201d an 1887 oil painting by French artist Henri Fantin-Latour that was recently rediscovered. Rutberg is displaying the work publicly for the first time, shown together with a pair of original lithographs created by the artist.<\/p>\n
The exhibition additionally underscores Alexander Calder\u2019s early ties to the area, noting his residency in Pasadena between 1907 and 1909. Gallery records show that Calder\u2019s father constructed a basement workshop for his youth, enabling the burgeoning artist to fashion initial sketches along with various creations constructed from wire and found media.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the presentation underscores the Pasadena Art Museum\u2019s landmark 1963 Marcel Duchamp retrospective, a historic gathering famously captured in Julian Wasser\u2019s iconic photograph depicting the artist engaged in a chess match with Eve Babitz.<\/p>\n
Rutberg said the project was also prompted by requests from colleagues, curators and museum professionals who encouraged him to document the history.<\/p>\n
The result is a 176 page catalog available digitally for free. Rutberg said the catalog was created to provide the public with a record of the city\u2019s art history.<\/p>\n
\u201cBooks are the only things that last,\u201d Rutberg said.<\/p>\n
He described the digital catalog as \u201ca history that they deserve,\u201d adding that it is \u201ctheir history.\u201d<\/p>\n
The works in the exhibition are all available for purchase, with prices ranging from about $400 to more than $500,000. Rutberg said that range allows people with different means to participate in the history represented by the collection.<\/p>\n
He also emphasized that the exhibition consists of original works rather than reproductions.<\/p>\n
Rutberg noted that art extends far beyond mere luxury or virtual cultural engagement. He characterized original works as \u201ccharged objects,\u201d capable of fostering deep personal and emotional resonances among viewers and collectors alike.<\/p>\n
After maintaining a presence on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles for nearly 38 years, Rutberg relocated his gallery to Pasadena in 2023. Since making the move, he noted a shift in his perception of the city, citing positive feedback from visitors who expressed gratitude for both the show and the gallery\u2019s establishment in the area.<\/p>\n
He aspires for the exhibition to inspire local community members to appreciate and embrace their deep ties to the city\u2019s rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
Visitors can view \u201cPasadena: L.A.\u2019s Art Legacy\u201d at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts, located at 600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 102, Pasadena. The gallery welcomes the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free of charge, with parking accessible via the South Lake Avenue entrance.<\/p>\n