Hauser & Wirth Announces Representation of Artist rafa esparza
The global gallery will represent the adobe-focused artist alongside Commonwealth and Council.
1Strategic Gallery Partnership
Hauser & Wirth has officially announced the representation of Los Angeles-based artist rafa esparza. This move occurs in collaboration with Commonwealth and Council, the artist’s longtime gallery. This partnership marks a significant milestone, as esparza becomes one of the few living Latinx artists to be represented by a global mega-gallery.
2Adobe as Artistic Medium
Since 2014, esparza has utilized adobe—a mixture of loam, straw, manure, and water—as his primary medium. He learned the traditional brick-making technique from his father, whose family practiced it for generations in Durango, Mexico. These organic materials serve to challenge the sterile, climate-controlled environments typical of contemporary art museums.
3Challenging Institutional Spaces
The artist refers to his creations as brown architectures, designed to contrast with the white cube aesthetic of traditional galleries. His interventions often invite visitors to walk directly on the adobe, causing the structures to crumble during the exhibition. This process highlights the ephemeral nature of his work and institutional critique.
4Notable Biennial Interventions
esparza gained significant recognition at the 2016 Made in L.A. biennial and the 2017 Whitney Biennial. At the Whitney, he constructed a rotunda that provided a platform for Latinx artists not formally included in the exhibition. These bricks were later transported to Ballroom Marfa in Texas for a subsequent installation.
5Evolution of Artistic Practice
Beyond his signature adobe bricks, esparza has expanded his practice to include painting directly onto the material. His recent works feature intimate portraits and medium-sized translations of historical photographs. He also creates large-scale sculptures supported by visible metal armatures, such as his 2025–26 piece featuring a US flag.
6Upcoming Exhibition Schedule
The gallery plans to debut new work by esparza at Art Basel Miami Beach next month. Furthermore, he is scheduled to hold his first solo show with Hauser & Wirth in New York during the fall of 2027. These events aim to introduce his community-centered practice to a broader international audience.
7Monograph and Documentation
In addition to his gallery exhibitions, Zolo Press will publish the artist’s first monograph, titled rafa esparza: Works on Adobe, this coming February. This publication will document his decade-long engagement with the material, providing a comprehensive look at his technical process, historical research, and his ongoing dedication to community-based artistic practice.
8Institutional Impact and Legacy
Hauser & Wirth president Marc Payot praised esparza for his rigorous, disciplined conceptual practice. By drawing earth into his work, the artist addresses complex questions regarding ownership, agency, and belonging. This representation signals a shift in the art market, prioritizing artists who bridge the gap between traditional heritage and contemporary discourse.
Original article: ARTnews — Hauser & Wirth Announces Representation of Artist rafa esparza