Alec Egan's 'Groundskeeper' at Vielmetter LA: First Show After Palisades Fire

Alec Egan's solo exhibition 'Groundskeeper' at Vielmetter Los Angeles marks his first show since losing his Pacific Palisades home and studio to the January 2025 wildfire. The exhibition, on view through May 16, 2026, features paintings that reflect on the tragedy, including 'Dawn House' and 'Night House,' which depict the same house under a hopeful dawn and a sinister, fire-tinged sky. Egan, a former creative writing student at Kenyon College, turned to painting after finding the poetry program too rigid. His works are characterized by obsessive floral patterns and narrative elements, often incorporating personal objects and references. The title painting 'Groundskeeper' shows a man resembling Egan in a garden chair, surrounded by patterns and an orange tree with its roots wrapped, symbolizing the challenge of replanting after loss. Egan's daughter inspired 'Run,' a painting featuring a book from the 'I Survived' series, reflecting their post-fire life. Egan now lives in Santa Monica Canyon and has a studio in Santa Monica. The exhibition is curated by Nancy Spiller, who also lost her home to the fire.