The exhibition explores the work of artist Noah Davis, who died of a rare form of cancer in 2015. (photo by Patrick O’Brien-Smith)

Don’t miss the Hammer Museum’s first institutional survey of the late Noah Davis (1983–2015), which runs through Sunday, Aug. 31.

The exhibition is the first U.S. institutional survey of the visionary artist. It marked a meaningful homecoming to Los Angeles, where Davis lived, worked and left an enduring legacy. The exhibition features more than 50 paintings, blending realism and dreamlike imagery to explore themes of family, everyday life, media and myth. Davis’ work offers a poignant, layered view of lived experience that continues to resonate with viewers.

Organized chronologically, “Noah Davis” offers a comprehensive overview of his practice, including his curatorial and community-building efforts as co-founder of the Underground Museum, Los Angeles. The exhibition traces Davis’s career from 2007 until his untimely passing in 2015, featuring works that delve into his exploration of politics, current affairs, everyday life, ancient Egypt, family history, racism in American media, art history and architecture. His paintings are presented alongside experimental works in sculpture and works on paper, offering a deeper look into the conceptual foundations of Davis’ practice. The exhibition also includes a selection of Davis’ eclectic source material on display for the first time.

“Noah’s career was tragically cut short but nonetheless extraordinary, as this internationally touring exhibition demonstrates,” Hammer Museum director Zoë Ryan said. “He was also a great supporter of artists who felt overlooked by other institutions, and through the Underground Museum created a welcoming space for artists and audiences alike, greatly enriching the cultural fabric of this city. This exhibition is a celebration of Noah’s life and legacy.”

Highlights include “40 Acres and a Unicorn” (2007), a striking blend of fantasy and history; “Isis” (2009), a portrait of his wife Karon depicted as the titular Egyptian goddess of magic and the “Pueblo del Rio” series (2014), paintings that reimagine one of the oldest, largest and most architecturally significant public housing developments in Los Angeles.

The Hammer Museum is located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. For information, visit hammer.ucla.edu.