Los Angeles has plenty of places to experience great art, from local art galleries to some of the county's most essential museums, so it can be hard to narrow down what's worth seeing and what's not. While there are plenty of other art events that are likely to pop up from now until the end of the year, these 12 should definitely be on your radar this fall.
“Gaetano Pesce: Molds (Gelati Misti)” The exhibit features works from contemporary Italian artist Pesce, best known for his cast-resin vases. A video also gives viewers an inside look at the designer’s drawings, molds and casting techniques. MOCA Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood (310-289-5223, moca.org). Through Nov 27.
“Hey! Ho! Let’s Go: Ramones and the Birth of Punk” In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Ramones’ debut album, the exhibit includes memorabilia and personal items from the band’s musical career and contributions from artists closely related to the group. GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE, 800 W Olympic Blvd (213-765-6800, grammymuseum.org). Through Feb 28.
“100 Years of National Parks: The West” This photography exhibit celebrates the West Coast’s national parks in honor of the National Park Service’s centennial anniversary. G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice (310-452-2842, theg2gallery.com). Oct 4–Jan 1. Opening reception Oct 8 at 6:30pm benefiting the Western National Parks Association; $10.
“States of Mind: Picasso Lithographs 1945–1960” Featuring a collection of 86 prints—some of which are being presented for the first time in 40 years—this exhibit demonstrates Picasso’s ability to rework a lithographic composition through multiple states. Norton Simon Museum, 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena (626-449-6840, nortonsimon.org). Oct 14–Feb 13.
“Mickalene Thomas: Do I Look Like a Lady?” The New York artist’s latest silkscreen portraits are displayed alongside an installation and a two-channel video highlighting African-American icons of our time. MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S Grand Ave (213-626-6222, moca.org). Oct 16–Feb 6.
Jonathan and Karin Fielding Wing The Huntington Library is getting a new 8,600-square-foot wing, named after its leading donors, which will showcase more than 200 pieces of American art from the 18th and early 19th centuries. The Huntington, 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino (626-405-2100, www.huntington.org). Opens Oct 22.
Grand Ave Arts: All Access For one afternoon, 11 institutions—including MOCA, the Broad, LA Opera, REDCAT, Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Music Center and more-—celebrate their Bunker Hill home with free performances, exhibitions, tours and more throughout the day. Various locations on Grand Ave between Temple and Sixth Sts (grandavearts.tumblr.com). Oct 29 10am–5pm; free.
“Mirrors of the Mind 5” The Los Angeles County Psychological Association brings together 50 pieces of artwork submitted by psychological professionals for a fascinating look inside the mind of a psychotherapist. Art Share L.A., 801 E 4th Pl (213-687-4278, artsharela.org). Nov 2–12.
“John McLaughlin Paintings: Total Abstraction” McLaughlin was a renowned abstract artist whose work was heavily influenced by the Japanese notion of the void. A collection of more than 52 of his thought-provoking, geometric paintings and drawings are available for public viewing. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd (323-857-6000, lacma.org). Nov 13–Apr 16.
P.S. Arts Express Yourself fund-raiser The after-school non-profit organization that brings art education to classrooms in L.A. is hosting its biggest fund-raiser of the year. Adults can let out their inner Picasso with tons of interactive art booths, plus get involved in food tastings and special performances. The Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave #203, Santa Monica (310-586-1017, psarts.org/expressyourself). Nov 23.
Comic Arts Los Angeles (CALA) This free, two-day event celebrates the art of comics and graphic novels by providing a community space for devotees and creators to interact and discover new favorites. Think Tank Gallery, 939 Maple Ave, second floor (comicartsla.com). Dec 3, 4.
“Breaking News” This exhibition features work from 19 artists who have employed appropriation, juxtaposition and imitation, among other techniques, to create photographs and videos that comment on the role the news media has in determining the meaning of images. The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr (310-440-7300, getty.edu). Dec 20–Apr 30.
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