Hair Ball Brand, 2008; Kosher Ball Brand, 2008; Debutantes Ball Brand, 2005
All paintings by Ben Sakoguchi
The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings: The Art of Ben Sakoguchi
April 7–September 4, 2016
This is a past exhibition
This exhibition was on view at the Skirball
April 7–September 4, 2016
About the Exhibition
In a series of colorful, captivating, and often provocative paintings, Los Angeles artist Ben Sakoguchi (b. 1938) examined how baseball, long referred to as America’s national pastime, reflects both the highs and lows of American culture. The son of a grocer and avid baseball fan, Sakoguchi juxtaposed the iconic imagery of vintage orange crate labels from the 1920s to the 1950s with whimsical, eccentric, and sometimes scathing portrayals of America’s beloved sport.
Presented as a companion to Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American, the exhibition also featured several new works, including a series on the Jewish “Dream Team” and a personal series devoted to Sakoguchi’s father. Through this expansive collection, The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings: The Art of Ben Sakoguchi presented a “people’s history” of baseball, telling true stories of players and communities that have been overlooked, forgotten, or misrepresented.
Image Gallery
Ben Sakoguchi, Nam Ball Brand, 2008. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Hair Ball Brand, 2008. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Wild Thing Brand, 2008. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Gamblin' Rose Brand, 2008. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Chorizeros Brand, 2008. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Banda de Hermanos Brand, 2008. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Gabby's Buckeroos Brand, 2008. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Kosher Ball Brand, 2008. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Black Bucs Brand, 2008. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Cleveland Indians Brand, 2005. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Busted Brand, 2005. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, Debutantes Ball Brand, 2005. Acrylic on canvas.
Ben Sakoguchi, DH Brand, 2005. Acrylic on canvas.
In the News
Through His Art, Ben Sakoguchi Used Baseball to Understand America
Vice Sports | April 11, 2016
See here: Skirball hosts “The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings: The Art of Ben Sakoguchi”
Ron Kaplan’s Baseball Bookshelf | April 1, 2016
Ben Sakoguchi: A Life in Baseball
Pasadena Weekly | March 28, 2016
The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings
Sports Media Report | March 28, 2016
The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings
Gotham Baseball | March 28, 2016
Press Release: Skirball to present The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings: The Art of Ben Sakoguchi
February 25, 2016
Donor Support
THE UNAUTHORIZED History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings: The Art of Ben Sakoguchi AND ITS RELATED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT THE SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER WERE MADE POSSIBLE IN PART THROUGH SUPPORT FROM THE FOLLOWING DONOR:
Pasadena Art Alliance