Los Angeles’ artists have been hitting the poker tables for decades. According to a recent report, it has been found that this has become the norm for those looking to rub shoulders with some rather unlikely individuals.
At these games, players have consisted of artists, collectors, celebrities and gallerists in invitation-only settings. As a result, new and upcoming artists can look to try and network with individuals who may be able to help them achieve their goals or get their careers started. It’s also been a way in which those new to Los Angeles have been able to connect with people in the same industry.
LA’s Poker Scene
An online news article by the LA Times reported on these stories, featuring individuals like Sarah Kim, a painter who moved to the city from New York. The article followed her story after learning that she had attended a game that was hosted by artist Isabelle Brourman.. She hosted a game at the Murmurs Gallery, where a group of players gathered.
Creating a New Type of Art
One individual who helped to bring poker to the art scene was Eric Kim. Kim, who co-runs a couple of art spaces called Human Resources and Bel Ami, felt that the interest that was being experienced could be something that he could take advantage of and create a new way in which art could potentially thrive.
He looked to capitalize on the success that he had noted online poker sites had been having, stating that he felt “poker and art went gangbusters”. Kim started to offer one-to-one coaching classes for free, hosting tournaments that were for artists and act as a league mentor. His learning pod, ‘Silver Lake’ was so successful, it contributed to a new exhibition based on what he had achieved to be formed.
This would result in the Matthew Brown Gallery staging a poker-themed group show in 2024, creating a new type of art that hadn’t been experienced. The exhibit would showcase 15 poker-playing artists and would be known as “At Home in the Neon”. Perhaps as a way of referencing the link between what was happening in Los Angeles and the game’s connection to Las Vegas and Sin City’s neon lights.
World Series of Art Poker (WSOAP)
Los Angeles has seen the rise of the World Series of Art Poker (WSOAP). It recently had its fourth edition in March.
Jonas Wood, Eddie Cruz, and Eric Kim rounded up their splinter groups to create the tournament in 2020. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength. Using their famous connections and networks, the trio would give new artists the opportunity to rub shoulders with some big celebrities. As outlined in the online publication Vanity Fair, many of Hollywood’s biggest names have been to an event in the past.
It may have even given them some further exposure, as they were able to be watched by thousands of people worldwide. Woods used his Instagram account of over 150,000 followers to live stream the 2024 WSOAP final, where artists could compete for the $30,000 prize.