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American artist Charles Gaines will unveil his latest work ‘Manifestos 7’ alongside the exhibition ‘Numbers and Trees, The Tanzania Baobabs’ at Hauser & Wirth. The exhibition explores themes of race and education, highlighting historical U.S. Supreme Court rulings, and includes a performance with a discussion on the creative process. Gaines is a prominent figure in conceptual art, and this new work aims to connect nature with artistic representation. The exhibition runs for several months and is open to the public.
West Hollywood – In a remarkable convergence of art and performance, American artist Charles Gaines is set to debut his new work ‘Manifestos 7’ in 2025, coinciding with his exhibition ‘Charles Gaines. Numbers and Trees, The Tanzania Baobabs.’ The exhibition will be held at Hauser & Wirth from February 19 to May 31, 2025, and focuses on the profound themes of race and education, reflecting on two pivotal U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
‘Manifestos 7’ engages with the historical context of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which legitimized segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine, and Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which overturned that doctrine and marked a significant step toward desegregation in the United States. The performance will also feature a discussion with Gaines and music editor John Eagle, providing insight into the creative process and thematic exploration of the work. Attendance for this performance is free, although it is recommended to make reservations due to anticipated interest.
Gaines is recognized as a significant figure in conceptual art, where he delves into the objective and subjective aspects of art through structured formulas and systems. Born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1944, he currently resides and works in Los Angeles. His artistic journey has seen him participate in numerous exhibitions worldwide, including at prestigious locations such as the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Venice Biennale. His prior performances from the Manifestos series have taken place in esteemed venues including the Phoenix Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
The upcoming exhibition ‘Numbers and Trees’ features nine large-scale Plexiglas triptychs alongside a series of watercolor diptychs. The artworks are inspired by baobab trees commonly found in Tanzania, which Gaines photographed in 2023. His unique artistic method, referred to as an “explosion,” meticulously breaks down the structures of the tree crowns into detailed visuals that challenge the viewers’ understanding and perception.
At its core, this exhibition aims to connect the baobab tree—which is often called “the tree of life”—to Gaines’ broader artistic practice, which consistently deconstructs meaning through systematic examination. The use of a numerical grid system in representing the baobab trees creates a vibrant and intricate visual experience for the audience, inviting further contemplation of the interplay between nature and artistic representation.
Gaines has garnered recognition not only for his artwork but also for his contributions to education and advocacy. He established a fellowship for Black students in the M.F.A. program at CalArts, where he imparted his knowledge for over 30 years. Throughout his career, he has published essays addressing contemporary art issues, including the significant text ‘Theater of Refusal: Black Art and Mainstream Criticism.’ In acknowledgment of his influence, Gaines was awarded the Edward MacDowell Medal in 2019 and was inducted into the National Academy of Design in 2020.
The significance of Gaines’ work is further underscored by its inclusion in prominent public collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum, and Tate, reinforcing his status as a vital voice in the realm of contemporary art.
For those interested in exploring Gaines’ latest contributions to art and performance, the exhibition at Hauser & Wirth is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Located at 8980 Santa Monica Boulevard, this venue will serve as a platform for Gaines to continue his artistic dialogue in a significant chapter of his ongoing career.
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