MODERN MUSE
Art curator Genevieve Williams debuts her inaugural gallery, GW Contemporary, in Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach's art scene continues to blossom with the debut of GW Contemporary (gwcontemporary.com), a new gallery devoted to showcasing exceptional contemporary art. Led by curator and founder Genevieve Williams, the space invites locals and visitors alike to discover thought-provoking paintings, sculptures, and photographs
—with exhibitions featuring Larry Bell, Nobuhito Nishigawara, Katie Shapiro, Rosalind Tallmadge, and Brian Lotti, among other modern talents.
“Housed in a historic building on Coast Highway directly across from the Laguna Art Museum, the gallery celebrates art’s ability to engage both the eye and the mind,” says Williams, who brings more than 15 years of experience across the commercial and nonprofit sectors in both Australia and the United States. “Before launching GW Contemporary, I directed The Honarkar Foundation and Peter Blake Gallery, curating major exhibitions featuring artists such as James Turrell, Mary Corse, Fred Eversley, and Tony DeLap—visionaries whose work helped define the language of California abstraction.”
Since opening its doors in July, GW Contemporary has quickly established a dynamic rhythm of exhibitions. The gallery is now presenting its third show, The Space Between: First Light, Last Light, on view through December. The exhibition explores the psychological, atmospheric and sensory space between dusk and dawn with works by Peter Alexander, Mara De Luca, Hedy Yang, Jeff Peters, and more. In January, Williams will debut the gallery’s winter programming. “We’re also hosting a series of intimate dinners, artist talks, and creative collaborations throughout the season,” she adds, “each designed to bring people together around art in an intentional, meaningful way.”
“At its core, the gallery is about slowing down—offering an antidote to the noise of the busy world we all live in,” continues Williams, who cites Tracey Emin and Agnes Martin as two of her favorite artists. “Every exhibition is an invitation to pause, observe, and reconnect with the quiet power of seeing. I also hope to makethe experience of collecting art more accessible and personal—rooted in conversation, curiosity, and genuine connection.”
Written by Allison Mitchell
Featured in the December/January issue of Riviera Modern Luxury Magazine
For the full article, visit modernluxury.com