A Tender Excavation

A Tender Excavation

Curated by Selene Preciado

On view November 1, 2025–February 21, 2026

Luckman Gallery, California State University, Los Angeles

5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90032

Gallery Hours: Wednesday–Friday: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM, or by appointment

Gallery closed on November 26–28, 2025, and December 23, 2025–January 2, 2026

Parking is available on the top deck of Structure C, located directly in front of The Luckman.

A Tender Excavation approaches research-based artistic practices through propositions of alternative histories, bringing together a group of artists who work with historical and familial photographic archives as a point of departure to construct new narratives and elicit transformation. Artists featured in the exhibition include Zeynep Abes, Susu Attar, Jamil G Baldwin, Mely Barragán, Artemisa Clark, Arleene Correa Valencia, Mercedes Dorame, Prima Jalichandra-Sakuntabhai, Leah King, Tarrah Krajnak, Heesoo Kwon, Ann Le, Arlene Mejorado, Star Montana, and Camille Wong.

Opening Reception
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 2–5 PM
Music by DJ Cinergy
Join LACE for the opening celebration of A Tender Excavation at Cal State University, Los Angeles’ Luckman Gallery. Light refreshments will be provided.

Archives Conversation
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2–5 PM
Moderated by archivist and public historian Moriah Ulinskas, this conversation will address how artists and local organizations work with historical and community archives. Speakers include Lylliam Posadas, co-founder and co-director of Your Neighborhood Museum; Keko Jackson, artist/Archivist at Los Angeles Contemporary Archive; and artists Leah King, and Camille Wong. The program concludes with a live music performance by Leah King at 4 PM.

Artist and Curator Walkthroughs
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 2–5 PM
Gain deeper insights into the exhibition through 30-min curator and artist walkthroughs with Zeynep Abes, Jamil G Baldwin, and Heesoo Kwon, offered at 3 PM and 4 PM. Light refreshments will be provided.

Closing Celebration and Special Performances
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2–5 PM
Join LACE at the Luckman Gallery for the closing celebration of A Tender Excavation. This is your last chance to view the work by the fifteen artists in the exhibition, and witness performance lectures by Artemisa Clark and Prima Jalichandra-Sakuntabhai. Light refreshments will be provided.