Spotted: Picaso, Botero & a couple of modern masters in Downtown LA.

No, this isn't a 'Stars-they're just like us' kind of feature. Picaso was not spotted at the Hyde Lounge at the Staples Center. Botero was not seen shopping for denim at wholesale in the Fashion District.

The LA Art Show just arrived to the LA Convention Center last night and its boasting works by the old masters and contemporary creators alike. That's all.

Like any trade show at the LA Convention Center, it's ginormous and has rows and rows of exhibitor booths that a person could get lost in. Here's a clue. If you get lost, just keep heading left. You'll find the bar.

In all seriousness though, it's a must see. Though not everyone yet believes in Los Angeles as a cultural destination, a) this show may change your mind with a strong showing by established SoCal galleries, and b) galleries from around the world are represented. China and Korea each have a large presence and a Cuban Gallery is showing for the first time ever in the US. And, oh, who knew Kat Von D had a gallery now? Not me, that's who. And that's surely worth a look-see.

Below, some of my favorite pieces from the show

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

LA Art Show
January 19 - 23, 2011

Los Angeles Convention Center
West Hall A, 1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

My red dot at Mercedes Helnwein.

Last night was the opening reception for Mercedes Helnwein's new show, Temptation to be Good, at the Merry Karnowsky Gallery (yes, I know this information would have been more helpful to you yesterday as opposed to quarter to eight on the day after--sorry).

I was a fan of this for a few reasons.

* More galleries should be as close to my home as the Merry Karnowsky Gallery is. To heck with Culver City. Let's build an art scene [around me] in Koreatown and Mid-City!

* Mercedes Helnwein is a favorite local artist of mine. Her drawings are incredible. And her new, larger format work is equally exciting, though a departure in ways of style as well as scope.

* My darling friend Elizabeth Ai was hosting (alongside a mysterious Beck who my friend and I never did spot). You may recall a while back I shared that Mercedes was doing some collaborative work with the Ai sisters for their awesome clothing line, Ai for Ai.

* I am a compulsive shopper and it's best that at least I have something worthwhile to toss my hard-earned money away for.

* Damien Hirst bought out Helnwein's last show in London. And it it's good enough for Hirst, it's better for me.

This was last night's guilty pleasure that's soon to be mine...

And this is my red dot. I just love when I can claim a red dot to be mine (says the art collector wannabe)...

I might make some snarky quip about reading it and weeping. But then again, it's my pocketbook I've hit and I feel if anyone should be weeping it might actually be me and not you.

Catch the show while it's still up.

MERCEDES HELNWEIN: TEMPTATION TO BE GOOD
November 13 - December 11, 2010

Merry Karnowsky Gallery
170 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036

And while you're at it, read my March 2010 interview with Mercedes Helnwein here.

I won art. For a good cause. [Photo Gallery]

And when I say 'won,' I mean that I bought it of course. I simply bought it for a higher amount than someone else did. Which maybe I shouldn't have done. But it was for Stoked, the amazing non-profit which mentors kids through action sports. And they deserve my uninhibited, impulse buying. So this art's for you kids. Below, some pics from the Stoked private preview which happened last night to kick off today's Culver City ArtWalk. More pics from that awesomeness later...

Cool art by a cool artist...

Suitcase by Aaron Rose (director of Beautiful Losers)

These kids were big spenders. I'm pretty sure they bid on some big ticket items.

Gary Baseman and his pal. Gary, incidentally, is having a sick event during the LACMA Art Walk next Saturday. You should go. More on that later too...

I usually cry when I want to. Like when it's my party.

More cool art by another gent who'll be at LACMA next week.

This is me after bidding. I had this picture taken in case I didn't win. I won. You can visit this piece above my bed any time. That sounded suggestive. It wasn't meant to come out that way.

Gary bid on art too. Fingers crossed...

Didn't make it to the event but want to find out more about helping Stoked? Visit their site and donate your time or your money...or both!

"Los Angeles, I'm Yours." Cause one man's trash equals our good fortune. [art in LA]

One man's trash is another man's treasure as the saying goes. For instance, I will gladly eat your leftover food (just a note for the future). And, in a less practical and more creative interpretation of the adage, Poketo and Kistune Noir have teamed up, recruiting their artist pals to recreate found items into fabulous pieces of new art. Amongst those participating in the project are an eclectic mix of visual and varied artists including Gary Baseman, Jason Schwartzman, Neil LaBute and over 30 other LA artists.

The show opens at Space 15Twenty this weekend and you won't want to miss the 1st night of the art market with sounds by Aquarium Drunkard and ice cream by Scoops.

Please also remember when you're there--I WILL eat your leftovers, so just drop your melting Scoops off at my place, mkay?

Poketo x Kitsune Noir presents “Los Angeles, I’m Yours”

Space 15Twenty Gallery
1520 N. Cahuenga Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028


Opening Reception
Saturday April 24th
7-10pm

Show runs until May 15th

Participating artists include:

Alex Krastev \ ASHKAHN \ Bijan Berahimi \ Brian Wade Scott \ Chris Bettig \ Cole Gerst \ David Browne \ Eamon Ore-Giron \ Eric Trine \ Erin Burrell \ Florencio Zavala \ Gary Baseman \ Geoff McFetridge \ Gina Osterloh \ Hannah K. Lee \ Ian O’Phelan \ Jared Andrew Schorr \ Jason Schwartzman \ John Pham \ Jordan Crane \ Leah Chun \ Marco Zamora \ Mark Todd \ Neil Doshi \ Neil LaBute for Significant Objects \ Portugal. The Man \ Saelee Oh \ Sarajo Frieden & Marci Boudreau \ Scott Barry \ Steven Harrington \ Tim Biskup \ Tom Vadakan \ Ye Rin Mok

Hard core porn & George W. Bush. The common denominator.

Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of visiting the newly opened Soho House West Hollywood for a leisurely lunch on the garden patio. But before we even approached the stairs, I was struck by the walls of the reception space. Where most dining establishments have perhaps a landscape by an unknown artist behind the hostess stand, the walls of the exclusive Soho House’s entrance way comprise a small and impressive gallery. The pieces from the likes of Mark Ryden, Raymond Pettibon and other renowned artists are one-upped only by the giant glass chandelier which hovers above the stairway (one of several which were brought into the space via cranes).

Our tour guide led us over to one piece in particular--a portrait of former US President George W. Bush created by the collection’s curator and an artist himself, Jonathan Yeo. The portrait was lovely, sure. But what of it?

Here’s what.

British artist Jonathan Yeo taught himself to paint in his twenties (which should give aspiring later life artists hope) and began his career creating stunning portraits. Commissions followed--notable past clients include Tony Blair and Nicole Kidman.

But then he got subversive. And here’s where things get interesting. In the 2000s, Yeo began caricaturing politicians, flaunting nudity, and just generally poking fun at public figures through his ironic portraiture--busts riddled with hard core porn, nudes of prominent businessmen, and other artistic expressions which made the general public uncomfortable.

Spectacular news for those of who like when things are stirred up.

Should you be in LA, visit Yeo’s work at the Soho House (if you can find a way in). Must-sees include the wallpaper in the bathrooms--the flowery patterns are so much dirtier at second glance and, of course, the famous portrait of Bush. If you’re not seeing the naughty parts, here’s a clue--check out George W.’s right ear (his right, your left). Theeeere you go.



Jonathan Yeo is repped by the UK’s Lazarides Gallery (opening this month in LA!).

[This post originally appeared on http://curated.culturejam.com.]

Chambers Clothing Preview Party: tequila + VICE + rabbits' feet [We Like to Party]

Last night, we headed downtown to celebrate the launch of Chambers Clothing, the sharp looking new line of menswear from Matt Goldman (artist & promoter extraordinaire) and Devin Carlson (of Fremont Apparel). The party was held at one of Cedd Moses' (many, many) new watering holes, Las Perlas. Las Perlas is a tequila bar and, to save you the trouble of asking should you go in, they do not serve other liquors. Though they may try to make you believe that certain tequilas taste like other certain liquors. Hmm.

The Chambers collection looks incredible. Incredible enough to make me wish I was either a dude or a much larger woman so that I could sport some of the looks. Fingers are crossed for a women's line to follow...

View the Chambers Look Book.

art in LA: Manifest Equality for Full + Equal Rights

Tonight is the press preview for Manifest Equality, the 5 day exhibition in support of full and unrestricted rights for all Americans. And when they say 'all Americans' they mean all--as in straight, gay, tall, short, and even folks with questionable taste in fedoras. The list of a-list artists participating in the show is too long to include here. But not too long for the show's own website so go peep the list there. Some of my friends and faves participating include: Gary Baseman, Freddie C, Kofie, Barry McGee, Blaine Fontana, Matthew Goldman, and Karen Kimmel.

If art and/or gay rights are not your thing (because there is something seriously wrong with you), there is also a full roster of rad DJs and bands performing throughout the week.

March 3 - 7
Wed & Thurs - 11 a - 6 p
Fri - 11 a - 10 p
Sat & Sun - 10 a - 6 p

Manifest Equality

1341 Vine St.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Become a fan of Manifest Equality on Facebook.

art in LA: Alison Blickle at Bergamot Station.

Last weekend we took a tour through Bergamot Station, the amazing enclave of galleries and art spaces in Santa Monica. We had gone for the show at the Mark Moore Gallery, but stumbled upon the opening at the Richard Heller Gallery, where Alison Blickle was showing. Incredible.

The show will be up through March 13, 2010.

art in LA (and beyond): Gronk's hotness in black & white.

If you missed the closing night of Mondo Gronk at the CB1 Gallery in Downtown LA this past weekend, the exhibition travels next to Madrid. After that, you can catch Gronk's sexy black and whites on exhibit back at LACMA come 2011. Yum.

[I would] give thanks for: room and board at Art Basel Miami Beach.

I understand that wishlists are reserved for the December holidays. That Thanksgiving's a time for gratitude, not requests. I get that. And that being said...

Thing I [WOULD] give thanks for No. 4: Round-trip airfare to Miami, hotel accommodations (nothing fancy--maybe the Gansevoort South or the Ritz Carlton South Beach), and a pass to Art Basel Miami Beach.

While it does make me sad that Shepard Fairey seems to be the only LA artist represented in the Art Salon panels (and they spelled his name wrong - 'Fairy' - and he is probably only on because of his recent legal woes), I could surely get over this. And quickly.

Esteemed musical artists, LMFAO, describe the Miami scene best in their recent hit single...

Drink all day
Play all night
Let's get it poppin
I'm in Miami Trick
Drink all day
Play all night
Let's get it poppin I'm in Miami Trick

I'm sure they had Art Basel in mind.

Art Basel Miami Beach takes place December 3 - 6, 2009. I am available to attend.

[Image Credit: Rosemary Laing, a dozen useless actions for grieving blondes #5, 2009]

Sunday at the Santa Monica Farmers Market [Gallery]

Every Sunday in Santa Monica, yuppies meet hippies meet health nuts at the Main Street Farmers Market. Why do I love it here?

1. There are children. Not just any children, but West Side children. And that means ridiculous outfits, free spirits, and lots of dancing. Peep this girl with the mismatched everything, topped off with a strawberry hat. Only in Santa Monica.

2. There are animals. And the crazy-looking kids can ride them. I do look forward to adult size animals in the future so that I might get a go. But for now...

3. There's music. The acts vary each week. And they're not always great. And sometimes they have bad names like the 'Jazz Mammals.' But that's cool. Beggars can't be choosers and tunes from poorly named bands are better than none.

4. There's a bike valet. Because Santa Monica is green. And we like that.

5. There are men with badly patterned shorts and [gasp] ankle bracelets who proudly go topless. I say this to those men: if you are going to go topless, please make sure the clothing you are wearing is tolerable.

6. Vendors have got all sorts of weird, ugly and occasionally cool things to buy.

7. Most importantly there is food to buy. There are fruits and other healthy grocery items, yes. But there are also pancakes the size of your first desktop computer...

And crepes that are made to order...

And omelets served with the best breakfast potatoes I've had in a long while...

9. There is no lack of people watching. Both good and bad.

10. And it's like 2 flipping blocks from the ocean. Which makes Sunday brunch at the Farmers Market just about as spectacular as a bonus at Christmas time.

Click here for the Santa Monica Farmers Market's vendor list, schedule of performances and more.

The RSVP Line (Weekend Edition): An artsy kind of Saturday.

You spent the week in a cubicle (those few of you who aren't actors who spend mornings on Runyon Canyon, anyway). So, get yourself out of the box this weekend with some artsy, fartsy activities around town. It'll make you feel better. Promise.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

* SILVERLAKE ART CRAWL brings art, parties and beer to the East side. How does this differ from a normal weekend in Silverlake, you ask? Ummm...I'll get back to you on that? I can tell you that participating galleries and venues include the very beautiful Barnsdall Art Park, Black Maria Gallery, Le Luz de Jesus (which is just plain fun to say), and Thinkspace. The crawl extends from Saturday thru Sunday, with opening parties, music, hipsters and Dos Equis scattered throughout the weekend. I imagine enough beer and wine will be served to indeed have you crawling, if moving at all, by the end. Click here for the full schedule of events.

* Also on Saturday and part of the aforementioned Art Crawl is friend, Mitra Khayyam's BLOOD IS THE NEW BLACK 5th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION at Junc Gallery. The exhibition will feature original works from the diverse artists who have designed images for the company; celebrating past, present and future T-shirt collaborations. Happy Anniversary Blood is the New Black!

We Like to Party [Gallery]: teens, sex & rock'n'roll at Macy's Passport.

On Friday night, busloads (and I do mean busloads) of teens were brought in to Santa Monica's Barker Hanger for Macy's Passport, an annual fashion show that raises money and awareness for HIV/AIDS charities. The Passport show many of us know is the adult version--welcome speeches by Sharon Stone and Elizabeth Taylor and black-tie-clad fashionistas and philanthros swarming around in a pre-Fashion Week buzz. But the second night of Passport--Macy's deems Teen Night.

And it's official--if I could do everything with teenagers instead of adults, I would. From the rivalrous high school chants across the show floor to their unbridled enthusiasm for the washboard abs of the male underwear models to their kick-ass style--these kids are just plain cooler than half the grown ups I know.

Some stylin' teens from the pre-show reception...

And the award for the most stylish couple goes to...

These guys were popping and locking. Or voguing and wacking. We couldn't be sure...

My friend and I got temp tattoos. Because, though we may have been the oldest folks there, we've still got edge...

Hugo Boss showcased the worst design of the evening. A Peter Pan-esque number that I hope I never see off the catwalk...

And the most popular style of the night was, naturally, the one that involved the least actual clothing...