Juan Downey: Radiant Nature, a joint exhibition by Pitzer College Art Galleries and (LACE) Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, became a part of Los Angeles art history when it opened in September in Claremont and Los Angeles. Radiant Nature, which explored the works the Chilean-born artist Juan Downey created between 1967 and 1974, was part of the Getty-led Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA initiative.
With support from the Getty Foundation, co-curators Ciara Ennis, director of Pitzer College Art Galleries, and Robert Crouch, Pasadena Arts Council executive and artistic director, spent years researching Downey’s early, often ephemeral works, many of which hadn’t been seen for decades.
Photo Gallery 
Overview of "Juan Downey: Radiant Nature" exhibition at the opening reception in Nichols Gallery, Pitzer College. Photo by William Vasta. 
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Juan Downey's art journals displayed in Nichols Gallery, Pitzer College. Photo by William Vasta. Previous Image Next Image 
Installation view of "Juan Downey: Radiant Nature" at Nichols Gallery, Pitzer College. "Pollution Robot" with robot, sketches, drawings and videos. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer. Previous Image Next Image 
"Juan Downey: Radiant Nature" exhibition at the Lenzner Family Art Gallery, Pitzer College. "Information Center," 1970/2017. Formica, mirror, 25-watt lightbulbs, electronic components, 4 light beam sensors and 4 playback devices with speakers. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer. Previous Image Next Image 
"Juan Downey: Radiant Nature" exhibition at LACE (Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions). "Energy Fields" 1972, enlarged photographic documentation and rehearsal video of video-performance. Right: "Nazca", 1974, enlarged photographic documentation of video-performance. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer. Previous Image Next Image 
"Juan Downey: Radiant Nature" exhibition at LACE. Left and middle: "Debriefing Pyramid", 1974. Enlarged photographic documentation of video-performance. Right: "Three Way Communication by Light", 1972, video installation transferred to digital media. On wall: "Plato Now", 1974. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer. Previous Image Next Image 
Installation view of "Juan Downey: Radiant Nature" at Nichols Gallery, Pitzer College. Electronic sculpture, video and drawings, "Pollution Robot," 1970. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer. Previous Image Next Image 
"Juan Downey, Radiant Nature" exhibition of live bee hive, part of "Life Cycle: Electric Light + Water + Soil → Flowers → Bees → Honey", 1971/2017. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer. Previous Image Next Image 
"Juan Downey, Radiant Nature," part of "Life Cycle: Electric Light + Water + Soil → Flowers → Bees → Honey", 1971/2017. Hives, lavender, rosemary, red apple ground cover, flowers, video camera, video monitor, retro grow lights. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer. Previous Image Next Image 
General Counsel of Chile in Los Angeles Jorge Table Canelo, Suzanne Oliver, Getty Senior Program Officer Heather McDonald, Director and Curator of the Pitzer Art Galleries Ciara Ennis and President Melvin L. Oliver at the President's Reception for "Juan Downey, Radiant Nature." Photo by William Vasta. Previous Image Next Image 
President Melvin L. Oliver gives his welcoming remarks at the President's Reception for "Juan Downey: Radiant Nature." Photo by William Vasta. Previous Image Next Image 
President Melvin L. Oliver and Suzanne Oliver with Marilys Downey, widow of Juan Downey (center). Photo by William Vasta. Previous Image Next Image 
Robert Crouch and Ciara Ennis, curators of the art exhibition "Juan Downey: Radiant Nature." Photo by William Vasta. Previous Image Next Image 