You See LA: Fall 2016
Five things to see and do in and around Los Angeles, handpicked by Brian Bress ’06 (M.F.A., Art)
Brian Bress is an artist living and working in Los Angeles. Bress received a B.F.A. in film, animation, and video from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1998, an M.F.A. in painting and drawing from the UCLA Department of Art in 2006, and a M.E. from the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 2007. Bress’s work is currently on view through December 4 at the Orange County Museum of Art: Brian Bress: Make Your Own Friends.
Monster Drawing Rally at Armory Center for the Arts
Image Courtesy: Armory Center for the Arts
Sunday, Oct. 16
Armory Center for the Arts
145 North Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, California 91103
Free
This annual fundraiser is one of my favorite art events. It raises money for the really great exhibitions put on by The Armory Center for the Arts by selling drawings made live on site over a four-hour stretch by over 100 local artists. For any person who loves to watch people draw this event is a must. And for only $75 you can take home drawings you see getting made or just watch as folks create. Beer and pencils are such a great combination. P.S. I’ll be there making drawings for at least one of those four hours. Come by and say, “Hi.”
Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation
Image courtesy: Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation
Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation
By appointment only; to arrange a tour, email tours@weismanfoundation.org or call (310) 277-5321
Free
Okay, this one will require some advance planning but, trust me, it’s worth the effort. Frederick R. Weisman was a major art collector in L.A. and amassed an amazing collection, which you can see installed in his house just as it was the day he died. You’ll need to schedule an appointment to see it, though, and they are sticklers for punctuality. Once you arrive, expect to see some amazing examples of twentieth century art. From Ernst, Miro, Picasso, and Rauschenberg to celebrated California artists like Ed Ruscha and de Andrea, there’s so much to see. One of my favorite pieces in the collection is by the groundbreaking video artist and sculptor, Nam June Paik. Oh, and look closely and you’ll see a few awesome Lucas Samaras works sitting on tables here and there. Last bit of advice: be on time. If you’re late they won’t wait for you and you won’t be able to take the tour.
Photography and Language at Cherry and Martin
Installation view of the exhibition "Photography and Language: Lew Thomas, Donna-Lee Phillips, Peter d’Agostino, Hal Fischer”, August 6 - October 29, 2016. Image Courtesy of Cherry and Martin, Los Angeles. Photo credit: Jeff McLane
Through Oct. 29
Cherry and Martin
2712 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Free
The Photography and Language exhibition at Cherry and Martin is a prime example of the kind of rigorous historical exhibitions that uncover and highlight movements in California art history that I would have otherwise known almost nothing about. I’m particular fascinated by Lew Thomas’s work in the show, especially the PORTRAIT EQUALS 36 EXPOSURES where Thomas uses every exposure from a roll of film to compose a portrait. It’s gorgeous and smart and just one example from this solid show.
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Trouvelot Hallway at the Museum of Jurassic Technology. Credit: Museum of Jurassic Technology
Museum of Jurassic Technology
9341 Venice Boulevard
Culver City, California 90232
Adults, $8; Children aged 13 to 21, $5; Students in full-time education, $5; Persons 60 years or older, $5; Unemployed persons, $5; Disabled Persons, $1.50; Active service personnel in uniform, $1.50; Children 12 and under, Free
The door to this small and unassuming little building that sits on Venice Blvd. in Culver City leads you into a mysterious museum that turns the institutional devices of presentation on their head and playfully pokes fun at the tropes and tricks of the museum exhibit itself. Walking through this museum you’ll feel like you’ve traveled sideways in time to a parallel dimension where museums exist only to explain the mystical. And, if you happen to see the founder, David Wilson, when you're walking around, see if he’ll have you upstairs for tea in the tearoom. I’m not sure what Prague was like in 1923, but if I had to imagine, I’d imagine the tearoom of The Museum of Jurassic Technology.
Willie Nelson at The Pantages Theatre
© David McClister
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90028
$66-$126
Years ago, a girl I was dating gave me Willie Nelson’s album, The Red Headed Stranger. At the time, and even now, I don’t consider myself a country music fan but at first listen of this concept album about an escaped fugitive I was hooked. It seemed timeless and I must have listened to it on repeat for almost a month. So, it’s without a doubt that I’ll be sure to go hear this master storyteller and amazing singer at The Pantages this fall. I really hope he decides to just play that entire album. But even if that’s not in the cards, it’s Willie Nelson…he’ll be amazing.
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