Women, Surrealism, and the Occult in Los Angeles

Join LACMA curator emerita Ilene Susan Fort, independent curator Laura Whitcomb, and independent scholar Lisa Janssen at the USC Fisher Museum for a panel discussion on the role of Surealism and the occult in Sci-fi, Magick, Queer L.A. Renate Druks and Cameron, two prominent artists in the exhibition, will be the starting point to consider the important contributions of women to midcentury Los Angeles art and occult history more broadly. Both creative muses for queer filmmakers Kenneth Anger and Curtis Harrington, Druks, and Cameron were also highly prolific artists whose work was informed by their travels to Mexico and interests in surrealism, psychoanalysis, astrology, and tarot. Their impact on art today is more palpable than ever; for those seeking alternative visions of the world, their indelible artworks offer enchanting possibilities.

The discussion, moderated by exhibition co-curator Kelly Filreis, will offer new insights on Cameron and Druks and their wider roles in the Los Angeles occult and avant-garde art scenes. The panelists will also discuss the discoveries and unique challenges involved in researching, preserving, and curating the work of women artists and others who have been historically under-examined.