BY NANE AVAGYAN
The ReflectSpace Gallery buzzed with energy on the evening of March 22 as guests wove between portraits of a woman whose face told various stories—each one different, yet all unmistakably hers. Joan Agajanian Quinn, one of Los Angeles’ most enduring art world legends, has been painted, sketched, and sculpted more times than perhaps anyone alive. But this exhibition wasn’t just about her, it was about the artists who saw in her not just a muse, but a reflection of themselves.
ReflectSpace in Glendale unveiled its captivating exhibition, “Embracing Diaspora Art: Portraits of Joan Agajanian Quinn,” with an opening reception on March 22. Running until May 23, the exhibition features 35 original portraits of Quinn, created by Armenian diaspora, immigrant, and culturally diverse artists. Selected from her personal collection of over 300 works, these pieces capture not only Quinn’s essence but also weave the artists’ identities and personal narratives into her iconic presence.
Joan Agajanian Quinn holds a unique distinction: she has been portrayed by more artists than any other living person. Her charisma, intelligence, and flamboyant spirit have inspired over 300 artists—including legends like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, David Hockney, Helmut Newton, and Ed Ruscha, many of whom were also her close friends.
The exhibition extends into the PassageWay, a space showcasing Quinn’s own photographs, candid snapshots of cultural icons. Here, Andy Warhol tries on a new bracelet after shopping. There, Helmut Newton lounges in Quinn’s living room, calling for Junie. David Hockney poses with his camera, while Mick Jagger and Warhol share a smile, caught by Joan’s lens in a cozy L.A. café. Quinn documented these figures with a personal, unfiltered eye. These images reveal another dimension of her artistic trajectory, positioning her as both documentarian and participant in art history.
Curators of “Embracing Diasporic Art: Portraits of Joan Agajanian Quinn,” Ara and Anahid Oshagan emphasized Quinn’s lifelong dedication to elevating artists-including those from immigrant backgrounds. A journalist and editor for prestigious publications like Interview and the Herald Examiner, philanthropist, and artist herself, Quinn consistently championed diverse creative voices throughout her remarkable career.
ReflectSpace Gallery, known for its social justice mission, used this exhibition to spotlight culturally diverse artists, inviting them to also respond to questions about how their diasporic experiences have shaped—or at times hindered—their artistic practices. Their responses, shared on the gallery’s website, add a compelling layer to the exhibition, creating a dialogue between identity and creativity.
“For decades, artists have been drawn to Quinn’s energy and felt compelled to portray her—she’s phenomenal,” said Anahid Oshagan. “Whether emerging or internationally recognized, they’re all connected to her. What we’re showing here is just a small piece of her vast collection.”
“We focused on the theme of diasporic and immigrant artists, showcasing a range of generations, styles, and powerful female voices. These works represent more than just portraits—they are a dialogue between cultures,” noted Oshagan, adding that Quinn’s exhibition has also become an opportunity to bring together her friends—well-known and influential artists from the West Coast—at ReflectSpace.
Despite the celebratory crowd, gathered also for Quinn’s birthday, the iconic Armenian art patron kindly agreed to a brief interview, sharing cherished memories.
NANE AVAGYAN: You’ve been portrayed by more artists than any other living person. What is it like to see yourself interpreted through so many artistic lenses?
JOAN AGAJANIAN QUINN: You don’t really feel like it’s you—it’s as if they’ve painted another subject. I look at them and feel overwhelmed realizing they’re all me. I always see the artist in each portrait. If you look closely, you notice how they’ve infused themselves into the piece. One artist reveals himself through a nose; another, through their persona. That’s what makes it so great.
N.A.: How did your journey as a muse begin?
J.A.Q.: It started when my mother commissioned a portrait of me at 16. Even earlier, she took me to photo studios. Later, a friend painted me, then his artist friend did, and it grew organically. None were commissioned—it felt like a competition among artists.
N.A.: Your photographs capture legendary figures in candid moments. Did they feel at ease being photographed so informally?
J.A.Q.: I’m a journalist, and back in the ’70s and ’80s, I documented everything with my small, inexpensive camera. The photos weren’t necessarily powerful, but they captured moments from the daily lives of well-known artists. They were comfortable around me and never minded being photographed. Helmut Newton used to laugh at how seriously I worked with that small camera. David Hockney once told me that my camera was terrible and insisted, I upgrade—so I did, and I kept documenting everything around me.
N.A.: How important was it to highlight diaspora and immigrant artists in this exhibition?
J.A.Q.: I love ReflectSpace because it’s committed to social justice and sustainability. I have artist friends from all over—Armenia, Argentina, Cuba, Lebanon—and they’re all represented here. This exhibition really makes a difference. It shows that we appreciate and celebrate the contributions of diverse voices in the art world.
N.A.: What’s your take on contemporary art today?
J.A.Q.: I love it, especially street art. Graffiti artists like Gajin Fujita, who started on the streets, are now in the Louvre. Shepard Fairey, who once painted me, is another example.
N.A.: How can art bridge cultures and foster understanding?
J.A.Q.: Art bridges everything-not just cultures, but feelings and spiritual connections. It answers all questions. When you look at a piece, you react. Whether positively or negatively, it fills you with something you need.
“Embracing Diaspora Art: Portraits of Joan Agajanian Quinn” will run at ReflectSpace Gallery until May 23.
