ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Artpress Publishes Interview Collection on 1980s-90s California Scene

publication · 2026-04-23

Artpress has released a special issue titled "Les grands entretiens : La scène californienne années 1980-90," featuring an interview with Mike Kelley. The issue explores the West Coast's countercultural art scene, which emerged from 1960s avant-garde movements and flourished through the 1980s and 1990s. Key figures include Chris Burden (self-destructive body art), Richard Jackson (assemblage paintings), Paul McCarthy (irreverent performances and inflatable sculptures), Mike Kelley (video installations informed by psychoanalysis), and Edward Ruscha (conceptual word-and-image paintings). The scene developed around art institutes that fostered experimental film and performance, establishing California as a rival to New York's art world.

Key facts

  • Artpress published an interview collection on the 1980s-90s California art scene.
  • The issue features an interview with Mike Kelley.
  • The California scene was influenced by 1960s counterculture.
  • Key artists include Chris Burden, Richard Jackson, Paul McCarthy, Mike Kelley, and Edward Ruscha.
  • The scene developed around art institutes focusing on experimental film and performance.
  • California's art scene rivaled New York's in prominence.
  • The publication is available on artpress.com.
  • The issue covers body art, assemblage, performance, video, and conceptual painting.

Entities

Artists

  • Mike Kelley
  • Chris Burden
  • Richard Jackson
  • Paul McCarthy
  • Edward Ruscha

Institutions

  • Artpress

Locations

  • California
  • United States
  • West Coast
  • New York

Sources