Anthony Hurd – “Lovers + Fighters” @ Thinkspace Projects [Los Angeles]

Albuquerque-based artist Anthony Hurd will be opening his latest solo exhibition tonight at Thinkspace Projects in Los Angeles.

Much has shifted in Hurd‘s work over the last handful of years. We enjoyed his older output – much of it involving disembodied noses, skulls, and hands among bold, swirling colors and abstract design – but one day, Anthony decided to post something more personal and reflective of his sexuality. I can’t remember exactly what the first image was, other than two men lovingly interacting with one another. Maybe they were kissing. Perhaps, simply embracing. What I do remember is that the piece was raw and affecting. There was nothing that could be interpreted as lewd or perverse about it… unless you’re a horrific failure of a human being. Unfortunately, plenty of those exist, particularly on social media.

Some tactless loseers chose to criticize Anthony over the new direction. More importantly, other artists we respect publicly spoke out to support him. It was heartbreaking, but encouraging. I remember sending Hurd a DM of support myself. His response reinforced what he’d been experiencing, but also his resolve to continue. Rather than recoil and abandon important themes that meant something to him, he chose to respond by leaning into them more fully. This new collection titled, Lovers + Fighters, is an evolution into what is easily some of his most beautiful and emotional work yet. At its core, it’s a representation of what, at our core, we should strive for in humanity. We have tremendous respect for Hurd and the unwavering support we’ve seen him receiving from Thinkspace Projects. Congratulations on what is a tremendous show. Fuck the haters. I hope you make a million dollars.

Read Anthony‘s artist statement below.

“Lovers + Fighters: We stand, we fight, we love, we survive, we thrive. Diversity is our backbone and livelihood. While far from perfection, we are a community of all walks of life and we have thrived in even the worst of times. In the face if our current administration, we will not falter or flail, we will now cower or run. Our fight comes in many forms as just loving ourselves and each other flies in the face of those who would have us harmed, here we stand regardless. This show is my love letter to our communities, big or small, young or old, present or passed, I love you and thank you for enriching my life immensely on a daily basis.”

The opening reception will run from 6-10pm. It’s free, all ages, and Anthony Hurd will be in attendance.

Check out preview images for the exhibition below the following event details…

WHAT:

LOVERS + FIGHTERS
Solo Exhibition by Anthony Hurd

WHEN:

Opening:
Saturday, June 7th 2025
6pm-10pm

WHERE:

THINKSPACE PROJECTS
4207 W. Jefferson Blvd. + 4217 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
(310) 558-3375

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Opening is ALL AGES w/NO COVER
Artist will be in attendance
Show on view until Saturday, June 28th, 2025
Gallery hours: Tues – Sat. noon – 6pm