Introduction

Joan Agajanian Quinn and her late husband Jack represent a key moment in the history of contemporary art, as Los Angeles came to symbolize an innovative and prolific brand of creative freedom. Few individuals have left such an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of Southern California than Joan and Jack Quinn. Joan found herself both muse and promoter of several Southern California artists, while Jack used his skills as a prominent and influential attorney to help an array of emerging artists and their dealers navigate the worlds of law and business.

This exhibition highlights the couple’s collection primarily amassed from the 1970s to 1990s, a period rich in significance and defined by a unique spirit of anti-conformity, a play of new materials and a celebration of light and the California cool ethos. Much of the work was collected directly from the artists and has never changed hands or been shown publicly. Works in the exhibition will explore themes such as Ferus Group “Cool School,” Light and Space, Minimalism, Chicano Art, Pop Art, and international artists and influences.

curator’s Introduction

Curator of Collections and Exhibition Rachel McCullah Wainwright introduces viewers to the history and relationships that form the Quinn family collection and its significance to the history of West Coast artmaking.

California’s Most Notable Contemporary Artists from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family Collection Makes Debut in Boston

On the Edge premiered at the Bakersfield Museum of Art in 2021 and was curated by Rachel McCullah Wainwright. “The work and artists on display have come to represent a period of history that transformed art making,” said Wainwright. “Art made in Los Angeles during the late 1960s and 1970s onward is defined by a unique spirit of anti-conformity, a play of new materials, a celebration of light, and the California cool ethos.”

The Boston Globe

‘On the Edge’: A lively West Coast collection lands in Watertown

An exhibition at the Armenian Museum of America celebrates the made-in-California collecting style of Joan Agajanian Quinn and her late husband, Jack

WATERTOWN — When he came to America, Oscar Wilde is supposed to have said to a customs officer, “I have nothing to declare except my genius.” Collectors have nothing to declare except their sensibility. Many, perhaps most, don’t have one. Joan Agajanian Quinn definitely does. Getting a handle on it is among the pleasures offered by “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family Collection.” The length of that title is a bit daunting. It’s also fitting, since Quinn’s sensibility is nothing if not capacious. Also, she and her late husband collected a lot of art.

National public radio

GBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen Highlights Exhibit on NPR’s Morning Edition

GBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen covered “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s from the Joan and Jack Quinn Collection” on NPR’s Morning Edition on August 11, 2022. "This is a great show because it introduces us to all of this fabulous art from the 1970s through the 1990s that was happening in California," said Bowen.

Boston public radio

Boston Public Radio Covers 'On the Edge' Exhibit

Jim Braude, Margery Eagan, and Jared Bowen discussed the Armenian Museum of America's new contemporary exhibit, “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family Collection” on NPR's Boston Public Radio, recorded live at the Boston Public Library on August 16, 2022.

W Magazine

Joan Agajanian Quinn, Art Collector and Muse to Warhol and Hockney

The jacarandas were in full bloom when I drove to meet Joan Agajanian Quinn. The magical trees blossom twice a year, brightening the gray sprawl of Los Angeles with sublime purple clouds.

Hyperallergic

How Joan and Jack Quinn Built a Major Art Collection Based on Friendship

Jean-Michel Basquiat, “Portrait of Joan Quinn” (1986) (photo by Ken Marchionmo Photography) “I took the whole family over on hot days for a swim and lunch,” Joe Fay recalls.

wBur

5 things to do this weekend, including 'On the Edge' at the Armenian Museum

"On the Edge," a new exhibition at the Armenian Museum, opened last week. It’s the museum's largest event in 50 years, featuring over 75 artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Frank Gehry, Helmut Newton and Andy Warhol.

Mirror Spectator

Quinn Exhibit Brings LA Cool to Armenian Museum

The dual exhibits, “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s – 1990s from the Joan & Jack Quinn Family Collection” and “Discovering Takouhi: Portraits of Joan Agajanian Quinn,” currently on display at the Armenian Museum of America, merge the two facets of this woman: muse and supporter of the cool LA art scene as well as society patron in the Armenian community.

WBZ AM 1030

WBZ’s Jordan Rich Covers ‘On the Edge’ Exhibit

"The critics are raving about On the Edge, an art exhibit featuring Los Angeles art from the 70's through the 90's," says WBZ's Jordan Rich.

Watertown Cable TV

Watertown Cable Access TV Covers “On the Edge” Exhibit

The Watertown Weekly News Broadcast recently featured our new contemporary art exhibition and interviewed collector Joan Agajanian Quinn of Los Angeles. Joan explained that the “On the Edge” exhibition was proposed by the Museum’s President Michele Kolligian. The idea was to bring the community together, to enjoy the artists that contributed to the collection, and to educate the public. “This show has something for everyone,” explains Executive Director Jason Sohigian. “The collection is diverse, it is large, and it is exciting for Watertown.”

Curator’s Perspective of New Contemporary Art Exhibition

Rachel McCullah Wainwright shares insights as curator of “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family Collection.” Her talk is a must-see if you are planning to visit the show in our contemporary art galleries this summer or fall.

The celebration of this contemporary exhibition kicked off with remarks from Museum President Michele Kolligian. She joined Joan Quinn in thanking Natalie Varbedian and Gina Grigorian for curating “Discovering Takhoui: Portraits of Joan Agajanian Quinn.”

On the Edge and Discovering Takouhi Catalog Set

“On the Edge” is a landmark exhibition of contemporary art from the decades that established Los Angeles as a major force in the art world. This storied collection documents deep and abiding friendships between collector and artist. The 62-page book features personal stories, artist profiles, and commentary on the collection.

“Discovering Takouhi” displays a variety of work by 28 Armenian artists. The range of mediums, styles, and vibrancy in the exhibition celebrates their unique artistic expressions. The 31-page catalogue published by the Armenian Museum of America includes a separate page dedicated to every portrait in the exhibition.

Lita Albuquerque

Peter Alexander

Carlos Almaraz

Elsa Flores Almaraz  

John Altoon   

Steven Arnold

Charles Arnoldi

Don Bachardy

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Larry Bell

Lynda Benglis

Billy Al Bengston

Tony Berlant  

Huguette Caland

Carole Caroompas

Vija Celmins  

Ron Cooper

Ron Davis

Woods Davy

Roy De Forest

Tony Delap

Richard Diebenkorn

Laddie John Dill

Robert Dowd

Gregory Wiley Edwards

Ned Evans      

Claire Falkenstein

Joe Fay           

Jud Fine

Jim Ganzer

Charles Garabedian

Frank Gehry

Joe Goode      

Robert Graham          

Chris Gulker  

James Hayward          

George Herms

Charles Hill

David Hockney 

Edward Kienholz

E.F. Kitchen

Jim McHugh 

John M. Miller  

Andy Moses

Ed Moses       

Gwynn Murrill

Helmut Newton

Astrid Preston

Ken Price

Mel Ramos

Bruce Richards          

Allen Ruppersberg     

Ed Ruscha

Rena Small

Alexis Smith

Ann Thornycroft        

John Valadaz 

Tom Wudl      

Andy Warhol        

Srboohie Abajian

Lucie Abdalian

Ruben Amirian

Gregory Beylerian

Peter Carapetian

Silvina Der-Meguerditchian

Felix Eghiazarian

Dahlia Elsayed

Sophia Gasparian

Karine Matsakian

Ara Oshagan

Armen Poghosyan

Samvel Saghatelian

Zaven Sarkissian

Aram Saroyan

Connor Tingley

Ruby Vartan

Stepan Veranian

Zareh