Gagosian’s “Nomadic Folly” Offers Peaceful Respite During Los Angeles Art Week 2025

Gagosian’s "Nomadic Folly" Offers Peaceful Respite During Los Angeles Art Week 2025

Amid the bustling energy of Los Angeles Art Week, with its packed fairs and gallery openings across the city, an unexpected sanctuary has emerged: Chris Burden's "Nomadic Folly," now on display at Frieze Los Angeles 2025 at the Gagosian Gallery’s booth. This marks the installation's first-ever United States exhibition, arriving at a poignant moment as Los Angeles continues its recovery from recent devastating wildfires.

Originally created for the 2001 Istanbul Biennial, "Nomadic Folly" represents a masterful fusion of traditional Turkish craftsmanship and contemporary installation art. Burden, the legendary Los Angeles artist who passed away in 2015, carefully curated an array of authentic Turkish elements: luxurious pillows, intricately handwoven carpets, embroidered wedding textiles, and jewel-toned glass and metal lamps. These pieces rest atop a platform crafted from Turkish cypress, sheltered by four large umbrellas.

The installation's debut held particular significance, opening at the Imperial Mint Building of Topkapi Palace just ten days after the September 11, 2001 attacks. As Burden himself noted, "This jewel-like pavilion was originally set within the decaying and crumbling Imperial Mint Building in Istanbul. Visitors tend to linger and find respite in this oasis of beauty."

Philippine Rubat du Merac, Senior Registrar at Gagosian, explains the immersive nature of the installation: "You're meant to take a rest, enjoy, and take off your shoes. Everything was sourced in Turkey. You go in and you wonder where is the couscous, where are the belly dancers, where are the hookahs? You feel like it's just the start of something."

The installation has become a focal point of Frieze Los Angeles, standing as the fair's largest and most interactive piece. Throughout the day, visitors remove their shoes before entering – creating an inadvertent exhibition of their own. The eclectic footwear collection at the entrance – from Burning Man-inspired cowboy boots to designer stilettos and Nike sneakers – reflects the diverse audience the installation attracts.

The cowboy boots piqued our curiosity, and we finally identified the owner of the boots. He was a particularly committed visitor, and was observed reclining on the pillows for an extended period, embodying the installation's intended purpose as a place of rest and contemplation. The space has proven equally welcoming to all ages, with children often seen exploring its interior while adults find moments of tranquility.

Gagosian's decision to resurrect "Nomadic Folly" has provided art week attendees with a much-needed oasis of calm amid the frenetic energy of the fairs and openings. As Los Angeles Art Week continues its successful run, this installation stands as a testament to art's ability to create spaces of peace and reflection within our busiest moments.