In the heart of Malibu, nestled by a tranquil creek, Lita Albuquerque awaits the break of dawn in her cabin. Here, under the early morning serenity, she immerses herself in the act of drawing and writing, following a series of invigorating meditations that establish a connection with the land and the sun. A routine that may seem quintessentially Californian, yet for the 79-year-old artist, it holds a deeper significance. Emerging as a prominent figure within the light & space and land art movements of the 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles scene, Albuquerque’s canvas has always been the Earth itself, a medium through which she explores our relationship with the cosmos.
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Nature as Canvas:
Albuquerque’s art is an intervention in nature itself, utilizing rocks, soil, and sand enlivened with vibrant pigments to create breathtaking installations. Pieces like "Malibu Line" (1978), a vibrant ultramarine trench harmonizing ocean, earth, and sky, or "Rock and Pigment" (1978), where colored rocks on a desert lake bed mirrored the stars’ hues, exemplify her unique approach to art. -
Journey beyond California:
While her art may have germinated in the heart of California, Albuquerque’s creations have transcended boundaries, manifesting in far-flung places like Antarctica. For her piece "Stellar Axis" (2006), she anchored blue fibreglass spheres to an ice shelf, mapping the constellations above the South Pole in a visually stunning display. - Art in Time of Turbulence:
Amidst the looming threat of wildfires, Albuquerque’s forthcoming work, "Turbulence", will grace the gardens of the Frieze LA fair, presented by Art Production Fund. Originally conceived as a colored boulder, the piece’s thematic shift in response to recent wildfires positions it as a poignant reminder of the environmental challenges we face.
As Albuquerque navigates the complexities of art-making and environmental upheavals, her resilience shines through. Despite her devastating loss in the Woolsey wildfire, she finds solace and renewal in recreating her iconic "Malibu Line" while rebuilding her home with husband Carey Peck.
In this moment of reflection, Albuquerque’s journey from her upbringing in Tunisia to her encounters with luminaries like Robert Irwin and the vibrant art scene of Venice Beach unfolds. Her quest for inquiry, inspired by Irwin’s philosophy, continues to propel her forward, as she explores new horizons in her artistic endeavors.
At the core of Albuquerque’s artistry lies an insatiable curiosity—a hunger for exploration that transcends physical and creative boundaries. It is a testament to her unwavering spirit and enduring legacy in the realm of contemporary art.
