<'If I love something, I buy it': Los Angeles-based Rina Mark on the art she collects and why — Art News
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'If I love something, I buy it': Los Angeles-based Rina Mark on the art she collects and why

Los Angeles-based collector Rina Mark discusses her four-decade history of acquiring art, highlighted by her deep connection to the legendary printmaking studio Gemini G.E.L. Mark, a former LACMA docent, reveals a spontaneous approach to collecting, often purchasing works on instinct. Her collection features a strong emphasis on iconic West Coast and Pop artists, including John Baldessari, Roy Lichtenstein, and Ed Ruscha, whose work "Pico and Sepulveda" she recently acquired due to its personal connection to her college years.

Mark’s profile underscores the vital role of long-term relationships between collectors and local institutions like Gemini G.E.L., which is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary. As Frieze Los Angeles takes place, her story illustrates the evolution of the city's art scene from high school auction finds to sophisticated patronage. It highlights how personal history and institutional loyalty continue to shape the Los Angeles art market and its most dedicated private collections.