LA Modern Auctions (LAMA) will mark their momentous move to Hollywood with two distinguished auctions of California Art and Design. California Cool: Art of the West Coast and California Design will be offered as back-to-back auctions on September 26th, preceded by a grand opening and public preview reception on September 21st. Featuring more than 150 lots, the omnibus scope of California Design spans the region’s design history from indigenous art objects and the vibrant early 20th century Arts & Crafts community featuring cutting-edge contemporary design. Representing the illustrious histories and tremendous international influence of California art and design movements, these auctions feature works by artists and designers whom LAMA has championed across the span of its history for another 30 years. The occasion offers an opportunity to celebrate LAMA’s legacy and continued success in shaping tastes and markets in Southern California and beyond, and to reflect on the company’s remarkable trajectory of continued evolution and growth.

Centrally located in the art and design district of Hollywood, LAMA’s new location marks the auction house’s return to Los Angeles. Expanding beyond its former offices, the 25,000 square foot Hollywood location will feature newly dedicated exhibition space and a state-of-the-art-auction room, as well as additional warehouse spaces, accommodating LAMA’s expanding industry growth. The house’s team of professionals, from specialists to production, logistics, and customer service departments, is ideally positioned to build on LAMA’s legacy and success in serving Southern California since its founding.

“We are truly thrilled for LAMA’s next chapter,” says Richard Wright, Chief Executive Officer of Rago / Wright. “Building on the strong foundation that Peter and Shannon Loughrey have built, we are proud to grow LAMA’s presence in Los Angeles and internationally with a central location, more exhibition space, and a robust calendar of upcoming auctions.”

From LAMA’s first year, when sales totaled less than $100,000, to a company of less than ten employees producing three auctions per year, to its current status as part of the substantial Rago / Wright network, LAMA today offers more than 20 auctions annually and continues to grow in capacity and reputation. LAMA’s relocation comes in tandem with Rago /Wright’s recent acquisitions of two new auction brands, Poster Auctions International and Landry Pop Auctions, as well as a new gallery location in New York City, collectively signaling strength amidst an uncertain market. Contrary to wider market trends, Rago /Wright has reported an 8% increase in sales for the first two quarters of 2024, and LAMA’s expansion is a key component of the company’s continued success.

The first auction house to exclusively specialize in 20th century modern art and design, LAMA was established in 1992 by trusted curator and consultant Peter Loughrey, an early champion of California designers and artists. After establishing a substantial reputation in the design market, LAMA later grew to offer Modern and Contemporary Art, repeatedly achieving strong results for artists connected to the region’s diverse and often experimental movements, including Hard Edge Abstraction, Light & Space, and more. Many of these foundational designers and exceptional works are featured across both California Cool: The Art of the West Coast and California Design, with highlights including a circa 1907 Greene & Greene Exterior lantern from the Robert R. Blacker House, Pasadena, California (est. $150,000-200,000), a 1979 Sam Maloof Rocking chair (est. $20,000-30,000), a significant biomorphic Ken Price sculpture (est. $100,000-150,000), Wallace Berman’s Silence Series #11 (est. $80,000-120,000), and John McCracken’s Purple Cube (est. $70,000-90,000).

OPENING CELEBRATION AND PUBLIC PREVIEW RECEPTION Saturday, September 21st: 12 to 5pm PT, with a specialist walkthrough offered at 4pm PT.

Address 6666 Lexington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

California Cool: The Art of the West Coast sale will begin at 10am PT on Thursday, September 26th, followed by California Design beginning at 12pm PT. Both auctions accommodate advanced bids, telephone bidding, live online bidding, and in-person bidding. For further information, please reach out to press@lamodern.com.

About LA Modern Auctions LA Modern Auctions (LAMA) is the first auction house to specialize in the selling of 20th century modern art and design. Founded in 1992 by curator and trusted consultant, Peter Loughrey, LAMA quickly established itself as a trusted authority in the fields of art and design offering quality, vetted material at variety of price points. Since its founding over the past two decades, LAMA has successfully expanded to include artists and designers of international origins but continues to specialize in works from creators and movements rooted in California.

Sydney Portigal wright@milkandhoneypr.com