Art of the San Fernando Valley

When Damon Willick, who was born in Panorama City, attended a show of L.A. art sponsored by the J. Paul Getty Trust, he saw no contributions from the valley. This past fall, Willick curated an exhibition at California State University, Northridge titled “Valley Vista: Art in the San Fernando Valley ca. 1970–1990” and wrote the show’s catalogue (Angel City Press). In the first examination of the valley’s art heritage, Willick presents photographers, muralists, performance artists and folk-art practitioners. “I call [valley art] serious art that doesn’t take itself seriously.” Willick is a professor of art history in the College of Communication and Fine Arts.

A few samples of the exhibition's work are below. Click here to see a slideshow containing more images from the book "Valley Vista."