John Baldessari's "Emojis" series, showcased in his second solo exhibition at Sprüth Magers Los Angeles, delves into the complexity of modern communication through the lens of emojis, those ubiquitous icons that have become integral to digital dialogue. This series, featuring twenty-seven works, continues Baldessari's exploration of the interplay between image and text, a theme that has pervaded his work from the 1960s to the present. By focusing on emojis, Baldessari investigates the ambiguity and cultural specificity of these contemporary symbols, highlighting the challenges and nuances in interpreting them​ (FAD Magazine)​​ (ART IS ALIVE)​.

The exhibition, held from October 27th to December 9th, presented large-scale paintings dominated by inkjet prints of animal emojis, such as tigers and pigs, overlaid with acrylic paint. Below these images, snippets of dialogue from movies served as captions, creating a juxtaposition that encourages viewers to seek connections and construct their own narratives. One notable piece features a gecko above a theatrical text, prompting a whimsical blend of visual and written language that sparks the imagination. This disjunctive combination of elements underscores the multifaceted meanings that underpin contemporary forms of communication, inviting viewers to ponder the fluidity and complexity of meaning in the digital age​ (FAD Magazine)​.

Baldessari's interest in emojis is a natural progression of his long-standing engagement with how images and text coalesce to form meaning. This series specifically interrogates how emojis, despite their widespread use, carry a multitude of potential interpretations that can vary significantly depending on context and cultural background. The "Emojis" series not only reflects on the evolution of language in the digital era but also continues Baldessari's legacy of challenging traditional modes of art by integrating pop culture elements into fine art contexts​ (FAD Magazine)​​ (ART IS ALIVE)​.