On January 7, 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fires erupted in Los Angeles, fueled by drought and Santa Ana winds exceeding 90 mph, destroying over 12,000 structures. The fires devastated Pacific Palisades and Altadena, including the homes and studios of numerous artists, collectors, and art professionals. The Getty Center and Getty Villa were under evacuation but remained safe. Artist Paul McCarthy lost three family homes and his son's editing studio, while many others like Christina Quarles, Analia Saban, and Ruby Neri also suffered losses.
This tragedy matters because it has profoundly impacted Los Angeles's vibrant art community, destroying irreplaceable studios, archives, and artworks. The fires highlight the vulnerability of cultural infrastructure to climate-driven disasters and the resilience of artists who must rebuild their practices from scratch. The art world's outpouring of support through GoFundMe campaigns and community aid underscores the interconnectedness of the creative ecosystem in a city that is a global art capital.