I took a quick break in Los Angeles this weekend. And saw a good bit of art as well as just did a bunch of tourist stuff. I have almost no photo’s except for the Royal/T show – sorry in advance…
What I saw in Culver City
Blum & Poe: The new space is amazing. the show was a group show of a bunch of gallery artists – I forgot how much I like Dave Muller’s work. This particular showing was album cover spines. All of the usual suspects were there and it’s a nice way to introduce the new space.
Royal/T: 30 years of Hello Kitty – This whole thing was amazing. I’m not the kind of guy who collects vinyl figures, nor do I think the whole Sanrio thing is all that interesting, however this show has a little bit of everything for everyone and is really a celebration of Hello Kitty. The show is at it’s strongest when it’s showing other people interpretation of the icon – I grabbed a few photos (sorry not my best work – and yes that is Lady Gaga – sorry again)
Off hand comment: my fave Hello Kitty thing ever is a drawing of HK with the Harlan Ellison title – I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream underneath.
Spent a bit of time at LACMA
Two shows there were really great – The New Topographics show and Joseph Beuys: The Multiples. As well as the two great Serra sculptures on the first floor.
New Topographics – A restaging of the exhibition from 1975, “New Topographics” brought attention to the emergence of a cooler photographic approach to landscape. Almost 2/3’s of the original photos are included in the show, as well as a installation from the Center For Land Use Interpretation. As much as they are the reigning King and Queen of this approach, I’ll admit I’m starting to get tired of seeing the Bechers work everywhere lately.
Joseph Beuys: The Multiples – This is probably the greatest show of ephemera I’ve ever seen attached to one artist. I enjoyed the heck out of this – however if your not up on you Beuys – feel free to start scratching your head and wondering what the hell is this.
Had lunch at the Apple Pan – thought I’d share…