For our 11th research season, the Wattis reimagined our research program to reflect upon a singular idea – LABOR – rather than a single artist, and the galleries will be transformed into a discursive space with exhibitions, reading groups, talks, and film screenings. The nineteenth-century workers’ slogan, “8 hours of work, 8 hours of rest, and 8 hours of what you will,” serves as both framework and title for the season.

In 8 Hours of Rest SoiL Thornton presents new and existing works, continuing their ongoing exploration of rest. The front entrance of the Wattis is obstructed by an inflatable sculpture, with its depth and height matching the exhibition curator, and changing the flow of how visitors typically enter the gallery. By inviting us through the back door, Thornton sets the stage for the viewer to engage in alternative possibilities. Like a dream, or a slip of the tongue, Thornton’s works invoke subconscious thoughts, and allow a space and state of rest that is intimate, political, and full of potential.

For FOG Design+Art 2026, CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts is participating in the MRKT section, offering a range of works from its prestigious limited editions made over the last two decades by artists such as Claire Fontaine, Catherine Opie, Lydia Ourahmane, Paul McCarthy, Pope. L, and Anicka Yi, amongst many others, who have collaborated with the Wattis. Available works are in a range of media, including photographs, embellished prints on paper, drawings, and sculpture. 

Alongside the Wattis limited editions are tabletop artworks and functional objects created by advanced students from the California College of the Arts’ Furniture Atelier program. This year, students made work under the mentorship of Mariah Nielson and Katherine Lam.

Images:

SoiL Thornton, actualizing implications of self care through world care via capitals regenerative processes, i mean earths, 2022. Voucher for my purchase of Loop mycelium coffin for self, mycelium material sample choices to be used for coffin, letter from the owner of Loop, mat and wood frame. 22 x 15 1/2 inches (56 x 39 cm). Courtesy of the artist and Galerie Neu, Berlin. Photo: Stefan Korte.

Ed Ruscha, Self-Portrait of My Forearm 1960 and Self-Portrait of My Forearm 2014, 1960-2014. Diptych. Gelatin silver print on Ilford Multigrade paper, mounted in window mat. 20.5 x 11.75 inches. Signed and numbered edition of 35.

Catherine Opie, Bravo, 2011. Chromogenic print. 12 x 16 inches. Signed and numbered edition of 100.

Pope.L, What I Do All Day When You’re @ Work, 2019. Light bulb, binder board, book cloth, foam, paper, ink. 8 x 11 x 6 1/8 inches. Edition of 25 + 3 AP.