University of California, Irvine's Langson IMCA designates Alaina Claire Feldman as its first Chief Curator
Alaina Claire Feldman Named Inaugural Chief Curator at Langson IMCA
Alaina Claire Feldman, a renowned curator with over 15 years of experience, will take on the role of Chief Curator at the U.C. Irvine Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art (Langson IMCA), starting from January 6, 2025.
Feldman, who is currently an adjunct professor in the Fine and Performing Arts department at Baruch College and CUNY's Macaulay Honors College, has been inspired by the work of Constance Lewallen, a central figure in the California art scene. Lewallen, known for giving many California conceptualists their first shows in the 60s and 70s, was dedicated to scholarship, research, and the next generation of curators, especially women.
The Langson IMCA is currently located in an interim museum space at 18881 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 100, in Irvine. However, the university is planning to construct a permanent museum and research institute for the institution. The permanent collection of Langson IMCA consists of more than 4,700 works from the late 19th century and early 20th century through present day. The museum is home to two foundational gifts of California Art from The Irvine Museum and Gerald E. Buck estate.
Feldman's vision for Langson IMCA includes activating interdisciplinary work, fostering experimental artist-driven programs, and drawing in faculty, students, and the public from a wide cross range of expertise. She plans to invest in an equitable and accessible art space, continuing to build off some of the programs she initiated while at CUNY, such as developing audio guides, digital publications, and an archive of recorded videos.
Langson IMCA is open to all Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission and parking are free. For more information about Langson IMCA, please visit online at imca.uci.edu or follow them on Instagram @langsonimca.
Feldman holds an M.A. from the Graduate Center at CUNY and a B.A. from Pratt Institute in New York. Her record of exhibition-making has focused on formalist qualities of art and artists with broad historical, conceptual, and theoretical interests. She is interested in the art of the world that reflects the context of where, when, and how it's made and presented.
Feldman was previously the Director of Exhibitions and Public Programmes at Mishkin Gallery, a university art museum affiliated with the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences at Baruch College, City University of New York in New York City.
As Feldman embarks on this new chapter, she expresses her excitement to continue her work in the art world and contribute to the vibrant California art scene.
