In the vibrant art world of Los Angeles, one artist stands out with her funk-infused, maximalist installations that pay homage to her South Central roots. Lauren Halsey, a rising star in the contemporary art scene, creates captivating works that blend architectural elements, bold colors, and intricate designs to tell the stories of her community.
Finding Inspiration in Funk
Halsey’s love for art is deeply intertwined with her passion for funk music. She recalls a pivotal moment in her youth when she discovered the entire discography of the iconic band Parliament. “It turned me out,” she reminisces fondly. The band’s ability to shapeshift and perform various identities within one body resonated with Halsey, influencing her artistic approach.
Funk is oxygen. It’s life.
– Lauren Halsey
Capturing the Essence of South Central
Growing up in South Central LA, Halsey was constantly inspired by the vibrant culture and community around her. Her mixed-media installations, such as My Hope, capture the essence of her neighborhood in all its density, featuring faux palm trees, miniature church services, Cadillacs, and powerful slogans like “Reparations Now!” Halsey’s work aims to preserve and transmit her immediate environment, combating the effects of gentrification.
Funk-Infused Architectural Wonders
Halsey’s architectural background shines through in her ornate, multicolored works that have garnered international acclaim. Her installations often feature:
- Prismatic glass floors
- Walls made from CDs and figurines
- “Funkmounds” and sand dunes
- Live water fountains
- Huge collages
These elements come together to create immersive “funk gardens” that serve as sanctuaries for reflection and paying homage to the living, the dead, and the fantastical.
Empowering the Community
Beyond her artistic practice, Halsey is deeply committed to empowering her community. In 2020, she founded the Summaeverythang community center, which donates and delivers organic produce to those in need. “We can only save ourselves,” Halsey emphasizes, highlighting the importance of grassroots initiatives in the face of systemic challenges.
Memorializing the Forgotten
Halsey’s empathy for her community’s history is evident in her work. In her latest exhibition at the Serpentine South Gallery in London, mirrored palm trees feature the faces of women who were victims of the notorious “Grim Sleeper” serial killer. By including these women in her installation, Halsey seeks to honor their memory and provide a more dignified context for their lives.
The goal is to one day have a project that is a palm tree grove, where it’s hundreds of [mirrored palm trees] that acknowledge the [women’s] lives and memorializes them in the right way.
– Lauren Halsey
As Lauren Halsey continues to make waves in the art world, her funk-infused, community-driven installations serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art. Through her vibrant, maximalist creations, Halsey not only celebrates her South Central roots but also shines a light on the stories, struggles, and triumphs of her beloved neighborhood.
