The title of this dynamic group show was settled on long before the current fire season roared in, but the truth is, L.A. On Fire has decades of subject matter from which to draw. Taking as its touchstone Ed Ruscha’s iconic 1968 painting “LACMA On Fire” the show moves forward in art history to encompass the work of over 50 artists whose lives and practices have been touched by flames — such as Lita Albuquerque, Karon Davis, Gary Lang, John Knuth, Francesca Gabbiani, Chuck Arnoldi and Joe Goode. The array of thematic and material explorations also marks the inauguration of Wilding Cran’s new gallery space at 1700 S. Santa Fe, the latest post-industrial Arts District hub and magnet for a growing roster of the city’s most exciting programs.

Wilding Cran, 1700 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown; opening reception: Sat., Nov. 16, 4-7 p.m.; exhibition dates: Nov. 16-Jan. 12; free. (213) 553-9190, wildingcran.com.

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