Various Small Fires (gallery)
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| Established | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Location | Los Angeles; Seoul; Dallas; Orange County (Tustin) |
| Type | Contemporary art gallery |
| Founder | Esther Kim Varet |
| Website | www |
Various Small Fires (often styled VSF) is a contemporary art gallery founded in 2012 by gallerist Esther Kim Varet. The gallery is based in Los Angeles, and has operated spaces in Seoul, Dallas, and Orange County (Tustin).[1][2][3] In 2017 the gallery won the Stand Prize at Frieze for a presentation by the Harrisons.[4]
VSF began in 2012 as a "ad hoc space" run by Esther Kim Varet out of her home while living in Venice Beach.[1][5] The name Various Small Fires is derived from a book by the artist Edward Ruscha, Various Small Fires and Milk.[5] Kim Varet has said "I think calling it Various Small Fires shows that in my mind the gallery was always going to be in multiple locations."[5]
The gallery established a permanent home in Hollywood. The current building was designed by Johnston MarkLee Architects and includes a dedicated sound corridor.[5][6] In 2019 the gallery opened a space in the Hannam area of Seoul.[2] A Dallas location followed in 2022,[7][8] and in 2025 the gallery announced a new Orange County location in Tustin.[3] Varet operates the gallery with her husband, Joseph Varet, who oversees business operations.[5]
Exhibitions and artists
VSF has exhibited the debuts of artists including Liz Magic Laser, Josh Kline, Jesper Just, Billy Al Bengston, and Judith Linhares.[6]
Selected exhibitions covered by independent outlets include a 2019 solo presentation of Diedrick Brackens at Frieze New York, after which the Brooklyn Museum acquired the tapestry when no softness came (2019).[9][10] Coverage also includes Josh Kline's Alternative Facts at VSF Seoul (2020),[11] and exhibitions of Jessie Homer French in Los Angeles and Dallas.[12][13][14] VSF also helped launch the career of Dyani White Hawk, whose paintings would go on to earn her a MacArthur genius grant.[5]