There are a lot of compelling reasons to visit Los Angeles that include surfing in the balmy Pacific Ocean, sunbathing on the soft sands of the beaches nearby, visiting the ever-popular tourist attractions like Disneyland and Grauman’s Chinese theater and, of course, there’s Hollywood.
But, there’s another great reason to visit LA, and one that many tourists forget about when planning their itinerary—LA is the center of an eclectic and vibrant art scene. It has always been a mecca for the arts, but even by the city’s lavish standards, 2012 is a banner year.
Levitated Mass
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is featuring an ongoing exhibit called “Levitated Mass,” by artist Michael Heizer. “Levitated Mass” consists of a 456-foot-long, slot-like passage that visitors can walk through. Topping off the passage and forming a partial ceiling is a 340-ton granite boulder, known as a “megalith,” which is meant to evoke thoughts and feelings about the enormity of art history. Entrance to the museum is free and can be seen in connection with other important exhibitions, including “The Sun and Other Stars: Katy Grannan and Charlie White” (an exhibition of modern portraiture) and “ . . . Is James Bond” by Maurice Binder (a cinematic celebration of the opening sequences of the James Bond film franchise).
Dirty Funk
According to LA Weekly, for those who like their art to be a touch more avant-garde, ACME Gallery is showing artist Michael Decker’s totem pole made of plastic chicken nuggets and onions at a show called “Dirty Funk”. This strange piece is sure to grab everyone’s attention, and even pull teenagers away from staring at their cell phones and watching funny videos online!
Inter Ruption: A Break in the Continuity of the Interstitial Space
LA Weekly also recommends the Michael Kohn Gallery’s “Inter Ruption: A Break in the Continuity of the Interstitial Space,” which features the work of thirteen of America’s most talented painters, whose work explores and redefines the boundaries of Analytical Cubism. The exhibit is curated by Kim Light, and can be visited nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. PST through August 25th.
Made in L.A. 2012
UCLA’s Hammer Museum, in consultation with the Department of Cultural Affairs, has put together a unique, interactive art experience called “Made in L.A. 2012.” To participate, just download the “Made in L.A. Soundmap” app for the iPhone—it’s available in the iTunes store. Then hop in the car and get ready to go! The app will guide users through the city’s key artistic landmarks via audio interviews with artists and curators.
Museum of Contemporary Art
For a taste of the controversial, stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art.The museum is taking a lot of heat for developing exhibitions that examine popular culture. According to the New York Times, the museum’s current director, Jeffrey Deitch, came under fire for authorizing an exhibition exploring the relationship between art and disco. There’s still plenty for more traditionally-minded folks, though—the museum is currently exhibiting “The Painting Factory: Abstraction after Warhol,” which examines the interplay between Andy Warhol’s Factory art and contemporary abstract painting.
Jancar Gallery in Chinatown
Chinatown is a prime destination for great food and shopping, but it also has a rich community of talented artists. The Jancar Gallery always has fascinating exhibitions. Tourists and locals can get their art and shopping fixes satisfied in one fell swoop!
Los Angeles is an endless source of fascination to visitors because it’s where dreams come to life on the silver screen. LA will always be best known for being home to the movie industry, but it is one of the most important centers for the arts in all of America. You just have to see it to believe it! It’s important to do your research online ahead of time to be sure the exhibits are still running at the specific museum or gallery you are interested in visiting.
