The Oceanside Museum of Art has opened "Brothers in Arts: James Hubbell and Bert Hubbell," a poignant exhibition curated by Brennan Hubbell, the son of James and nephew of Bert. The show explores the parallel creative lives of the two brothers, who lived on opposite sides of the Pacific for sixty years—James in San Diego and Bert in Japan—yet maintained a deep spiritual and artistic connection through letters and shared philosophies. Both artists passed away within weeks of each other in 2024, shortly after a final video call that reconnected them after a period of silence.
This exhibition is significant for its intimate look at the legacy of James Hubbell, a celebrated figure in organic architecture and sculpture in Southern California, alongside the lesser-known but equally profound work of his brother Bert. By showcasing their sculptures, paintings, and poetry together, the show highlights how their shared upbringing and mutual reverence for nature informed two distinct but harmonious bodies of work. It serves as both a memorial to the brothers and a critical examination of how familial bonds can transcend geographic distance through the medium of art.