Here on Maple Avenue, discover a unique space. It is Track 16 Gallery. Track 16 Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in downtown Los Angeles. It resides in the fashion district neighborhood.
Track 16 Gallery has been exhibiting art for over 23 years. They also publish books and host performances. The gallery leapt into existence with the founding of Bergamot Station. It explores Los Angeles, Latin America, and segments of 20th-century America. Track 16 often plays at the cultural crossroads of history and art. In 2017, they relocated to downtown Los Angeles.
Track 16 was founded in 1994 by Tom Patchett. It was located at Bergamot Station. They remained there for 17 years. Their building was demolished to make way for Metro’s Expo Line. In the early years, they staged exhibits with artworks by Man Ray and Manuel Ocampo. They also showed the early Punk scene in L.A. and contemporary Latin American art.
Track 16 now resides in the historic Bendix Building. Several other contemporary art galleries are also here.
The gallery was evicted from Bergamot Station in 2012. This was due to the Los Angeles Metro building the Expo Line train station. They found refuge on the Hayden Tract in Culver City. The gallery held a few exhibitions. They concentrated public programing on the theater built out of their warehouse’s loading dock.
In 2017, Sean Meredith became Patchett’s partner and the director. The first thing discussed was moving the gallery. Meredith was captivated by a space in the Bendix Building. It is on the 10th floor. The location seemed outlandish. Steve Hirsh revealed that one gallery, PØST, had recently moved into the building. Track 16 committed to moving in late 2017.
Track 16 operates more like a traditional gallery now. However, it retains its spirit of breaking with tradition. It attempts to raise hell.
Many artists have been showcased at Track 16. Some artists have had longer relationships with the gallery. Others came and went. Over fifty artists will be shown to reflect and celebrate the hundreds of artists who have displayed work over the years.
Track 16 is open Wednesday to Saturday. The opening hours are from 12 am to 6 pm. You can get updates on the Track 16 Gallery by subscribing on their website. The website address is www.track16.com.
Past events at Track 16 include “Drifting in between,” “Strange world,” and “Simone Gad. Vertigo.” Other events include “The outsiders from the other side” and “Molly Segal. What we whispered and what we screamed.” Margarete Hahner and Elyse Pignolet have also had exhibitions here.
Track 16 Gallery is a vital part of the Los Angeles art scene. It continues to showcase contemporary artists. It also challenges conventions.