On a transformative Saturday evening at the Getty Museum, a unique fusion of music, art, and performance ignited the senses and touched the soul. Artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons, known for her powerful public art that explores communal memory and healing, presented a compelling performance piece in collaboration with the dynamic composer and multi-instrumentalist Kamaal Malak, a former member of the influential hip-hop group Arrested Development.
The performance was more than just a tribute—it was a celebration of radical love, resilience, and cultural unity. It became a living, breathing tribute to the diversity of Los Angeles and the power of global community. Against the stunning backdrop of the Getty, attendees were immersed in a multi-sensory journey that wove together music, ritual, and movement into a deeply reflective and healing experience.
Campos-Pons brought her signature vision of “radical love” to life, emphasizing the need for compassion, cultural dialogue, and collective transformation. Her work often centers on identity, migration, and the legacy of colonial histories—this evening’s performance drew from those same themes, channeling them into a cathartic response to recent tragedies, including the devastating wildfires that have swept through Southern California.
Kamaal Malak’s musical direction created a rich soundscape that married Afro-Cuban rhythms with experimental jazz, soul, and spoken word. The music pulsed through the open-air venue, resonating with the powerful energy of hope and renewal. Together, Campos-Pons and Malak delivered not just a performance, but a ritual of remembrance and rebirth.
A lineup of remarkable artists and musicians added depth and range to the performance. Standout appearances included Dell Hamilton, Helina Metaferia, Coco Villa, Temeka Gaither-Brown, Peyton Brown, and LaTasha Diggs—each performer offering their own narrative to the broader story of survival and strength. Musicians Samuel Alexandre, Kevin Jackson, KayShyne, and Calvin Rodgers further enriched the musical tapestry, blending tradition with innovation in a way that felt both ancestral and futuristic.
The evening was an invitation to reflect not only on personal loss but on our shared resilience. It was a space where audience members, regardless of background, could connect through the universal language of art.
Key Highlights:
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Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Campos-Pons and Malak seamlessly blended visual art, live music, dance, and poetry, creating a holistic performance that transcended traditional artistic boundaries.
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Global Cultural Dialogue: The event paid homage to diasporic traditions and celebrated the cultural wealth of Los Angeles, uniting people from around the world through shared stories of healing.
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Art as Ritual: This wasn’t just performance—it was ceremony. Campos-Pons transformed the Getty into a sacred space where collective memory and radical love took center stage.
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Powerful Ensemble: The cast of performers and musicians brought diverse voices and styles, echoing the vibrancy and resilience of marginalized communities and offering a testament to the power of unity.
This performance not only honored those affected by recent fires but also reminded attendees of the enduring power of community and the transformative potential of art. For those who were present, it was a reminder that healing is not solitary—it is shared, sung, and danced into being.
The Getty Museum continues to host groundbreaking cultural events that highlight global voices and urgent conversations. Visitors are encouraged to check out the Getty’s current and upcoming offerings via their official event calendar.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, music lover, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, the Getty provides a space where culture, compassion, and creativity converge.
Report By Lela Christine
