Loyola Marymount University’s Laband Art Gallery presents the first institutional exhibition to shine a light on the extraordinary and underrecognized career of Noni Olabisi (1954 -2022), an artist and muralist whose works have become defining centerpieces in neighborhoods and communities in South Los Angeles. “Noni Olabisi: When Lightning Strikes” opens Thursday, Jan. 29, and continues through Saturday, March 28, 2026. A free public opening reception will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m.
“Noni Olabisi: When Lightning Strikes” includes more than 40 works created from 1984 to 2022 that honor Olabisi’s remarkable work as an artist, muralist, and mentor. Olabisi is known for her bold and daring public artworks, in particular three superlative murals in Los Angeles: “Freedom Won’t Wait” (1992); “To Protect and Serve” (1995); and “Troubled Island” (2003). What unites all her work — whether writ large on a concrete wall or rendered on canvas — is Olabisi’s lifelong commitment to telling truthful stories of contemporary Black people as well as their forebears. Indeed, she possessed a deep sense of pride in Black identity and infused her portraits ranging from Black leaders like Malcolm X to her beloved son, Oronde, and grandson, Jabari, with hope, dignity and joy.
The title of the exhibition — “When Lightning Strikes” — can be understood as a recognition of the everyday miracles Olabisi experienced and celebrated in her life as well as the hardship she suffered, particularly in childhood.
“Noni Olabisi: When Lightning Strikes” is supported in part by a BIPOC grant from LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts (CFA), which supports CFA’s dedication to fostering diverse representation in curriculum and programming. The exhibition also reflects the mission of LMU’s Inclusive History and Images Project (IHIP), which advances the university’s commitment to illuminate untold stories of diverse lived experiences, both on the campus and beyond.
Free Public Programming
Opening Reception: Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m., Laband Art Gallery.
Join us to celebrate the public opening of Noni Olabisi’s exhibition
Mural Tour: Date and Time TBA
Laband staff will organize a guided tour of a selection of Olabisi’s murals. Space is limited and RSVP is required.
Communities in Conversation: Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Murphy Recital Hall.
A gathering of artists and collaborators will share their recollections of working with Olabisi.
Live Choral Music: Tuesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 26 at 3 p.m., Laband Art Gallery
LMU Consort Singers will perform music by Dr. William Grant Still.
Image credit: Noni Olabisi, “To Protect and Serve,” 1995, Acrylic, 12 x 40 ft., 11th Ave. at Jefferson Blvd. Photo credit: Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), The Great Walls Unlimited: Neighborhood Pride Mural Program, 1988-2002, Courtesy of Laband Art Gallery, Copyright held by the Estate of Noni Olabisi
cfa.lmu.edu/labandgallery/exhibitions/noniolabisiwhenlightningstrikes/
