UM Family,
It is with deep sadness that we announce the closing of the Noah Davis show and the end of Meg and Cristina’s tenure as Co-Directors of the museum. As you can imagine, these decisions have not been easy on any of us.
As many of you know, our family (Kahlil, Onye, Faith, and myself) worked hard after Noah’s passing to steward the museum with help from countless artists, collaborators, and friends. We have been supported by amazing donors and a board hand-picked by Noah and our family. It has been an incredible journey.
But it has also been deeply painful. As soon as Noah passed, each of us immediately jumped into the work of running the museum to realize his vision. As a result, we were not able to fully grieve his loss privately or take the time needed to heal. This was made all too clear when Noah’s paintings returned to the space for the first time since his passing. It was also evident in how hard it has been for our family to let go enough to allow Meg and Cristina to do their jobs. They have been extraordinary, and we are so grateful for the work they did with us.
It is also undeniable that a great deal has changed since Noah’s passing in 2015: COVID, the movement for Black lives, and the growth of his legacy have impacted us all individually and as a family. These issues are affecting how each of us views the museum and our roles within it.
For now, we ask that everyone give us the space and privacy needed to understand the future of the museum and to heal individually and collectively. We simply do not have any answers right now. So, we will also be closing the museum until further notice. During this period, we encourage you to engage with the incredible art spaces all over our beloved Los Angeles.
Noah’s family and the UM are his greatest legacy and we are committed to doing all we can to enable them to flourish once again. Until then, it’s all love.
With Gratitude,
Karon Davis
Co-Founder
