Tag Archives: architecture

Check Out Vintage LA At The Getty: In Focus: Ed Ruscha

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In Focus: Ed Ruscha

Ed Ruscha’s art is characterized by graphic simplicity, playful humor, and a keen interest in the vernacular as it applies to both language and architecture. This exhibition explores his photography, including well-known photo-based book projects, and it runs through September 29, 2013.

Ruscha moved to Los Angeles in 1956 to study design at Chouinard Art Institute. Throughout a career of more than fifty years, he has produced paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, and films that often reflect on the city’s vernacular architecture, urban landscape, and car culture. Photography has always been central to his artistic practice, most notably for the slender, pocket-sized volumes that he began publishing in 1963 and his extensive documentation of Los Angeles streets, beginning with Sunset Boulevard in 1965. Several of the photographs that appeared in these publications became source material for works of art that he would realize in other media, either at the same time or years later—for example, the photograph of Standard Station, Amarillo, Texas, published in Twentysix Gasoline Stations and later abstracted in a well-known painting now in the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College.

The works in this show are drawn from recent acquisitions of vintage prints by the Getty Museum and of Ruscha’s Streets of Los Angeles Archive by the Getty Research Institute. Click here for more information.

Explore French Impressionists And Others At The Barnes Foundation

The new 93,000-square-foot, two-story building, designed by architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, is described as a “gallery in a garden, a garden in a gallery.” Boasting a textured grey-and-gold Ramon limestone exterior and a glass canopy that glows at night, the building is a breathtaking addition to the Parkway Museum District.

The four-and-a-half acre landscaped grounds reference the Barnes Arboretum in Merion, which will reopen in the late summer of 2012. In addition, the building boasts a number of sustainable features, including a green roof and permeable surfaces that allow for rain and grey water re-use.

But the true draw is the Barnes Collection featuring 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso.

The 12,000-square-foot gallery preserves the scale, proportion and configuration of the original Merion location. The priceless works are symmetrically arranged according to size, and often paired with artifacts and furniture (think: African sculpture, Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, antique Chinese paintings) organized around themes and formal elements. The scheme is the physical manifestation of the teachings of the man who collected the works, Albert C. Barnes. Click here for more information.

Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises: architectural and skyline boat tours

Where did Miss O’Leary’s cow supposedly start the Chicago fire? Learn all that and so much more on Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises, which run about 45 minutes as you travel down the Chicago River. While the architectural and skyline boat tours are a big attraction for tourists, locals can get something out of this too. Enjoy a $5 beer while being regaled with historical tales of the Windy City, all the while relaxing on the boat deck. This isn’t a boring high school history lesson. The entertaining tour guide combines stories about well-known buildings with little-known facts. Architecture still not your cup of tea? Shoreline also organizes and hosts Fireworks cruises during the Summer months. Tickets typically start around $24, depending on what kind of cruise you choose.

Art Deco Society of Los Angeles: In Awe of Architecture

Focused on the act of preserving architecture, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles is preserving many buildings, hotels and fine pieces of art that we have come to love and know so well. Buildings such as The Sunset Tower and The Egyptian Theatre are coined as “local Art Deco treasures” found in Los Angeles that have become LA staples and places frequently visited.

This non-profit, supported by members varying from students to households, is always holding events for those looking to embrace LA Art Deco. Events such as walking tours and festivals are always being held in honor of LA art and architecture and members of the non-profit make the events calendar easy and accessible on their website.

Though we pass some of these buildings each and every day, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles encourages people to take in their surroundings by attending events held by the organization and to visit the buildings they try so hard to preserve.

In the land of the fake, this society encourages you to embrace something real.

LA Art Deco Pic

Simply Divine at Devon Seafood

In the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and two blocks of the Magnificent Mile, Devon Seafood is the Devon3MidWest’s answer to the freshest daily catches, delicate flavors and all the wine you could want. With over 600 wines and Champagnes on the menu, including plenty of rare boast-worthy bottles, there’s absolutely no risk of not finding the perfect accompaniment.

Whether it’s Maryland style jumbo lump crab cakes, ahi tartare with fresh asparagus and herbs or scrumptious Georges Bank scallops, Devon Seafood has been mastering its changing menus since opening in 2006.

The chic interior competes with the “oohs” and “ahhs” gushing about over the cuisine. Looking like it could very well be an interior design boutique or hipster furniture shop with its lush velvet chairs, feather covered lamps, stone covered walls and perfectly colored wood floors, guests work up an appetite just by checking out the place’s digs.

When the plates arrive, however, it’s all about the catch of the day and yet, you’ll probably be back for the catch of tomorrow as well. For that, one has to thank executive chef, Scott Barrows. Thank you, thank you very much.

Get Courtside Seats at the Supreme Court

Picture 3Ever wanted to sit in the Supreme Court and see what goes on? Come early to the Front Plaza and there might just be a seat available. Watch attorneys argue their case in front of the Supreme Court justices. If the oral argument portion of the Term is over, there is still a chance to hear the justices when they release their opinions and orders for earlier cases in mid-May. If you’re in town on a day the court isn’t here, don’t worry, there are plenty of exhibits, lectures and movies in the justice’s place every day.

The building itself is quite a sight. Highlights include a statue of John Marshall, marble and bronze spiral staircases, the Court Chamber, and the famous phrase “Equal Justice Under Law” scribed on the architrave in the front entrance.

Walk Amongst Greatness with the Frank Lloyd Wright Tour

Oak Park, just a quick jaunt on Chicago’s green line train, is like walking into a Hallmark movie. It’s so charming and beautiful here that the hustle and bustle of Chi-town seems light years away. In addition to the picturesque main brick streets, mansions and bistros, this is also the hometown of architectural genius Frank Lloyd Wright.

Year round, Chicagoans Picture 11and tourists alike gather for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and several other of his architectural designs. Wright’s home, where he lived from 1889 to 1909, will inspire even the most apathetic of design lovers. Its facade and interior design make most gawk in awe, and suddenly everyone can’t help but snap away a hundred photos.

Custom private tours are also an option at the house, educational programs and year round special events take place so be sure to check the calendar before your visit. The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust also has a museum and gift shop so don’t worry, you don’t have to leave empty handed.

Insider’s Tip: Advance tickets are highly recommended. Purchase tickets here or call 1.800.514.ETIX (3849).

The DAM Bursts with Surprises

Picture 9You don’t even have to step inside to see the art of the Denver Art Museum (a.k.a. the DAM): its ultramodern, extra-angular two-building exterior is a masterwork in itself, designed by world-famous architects Gio Ponti and Daniel Libeskind, respectively.

But once you do, you’ll discover a collection that’s remarkable for a mid-sized metropolis. While it runs the standard gamut from European painting to pre-Columbian artifacts, it’s especially strong in some unexpected areas, namely American Indian art and American graphic design.

But the biggest artistic surprise awaits in the bathroom: when you wash your hands, you’ll be treated to a round of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” courtesy of Jim Green’s notorious automatic singing sinks.

1. Miami Art Basel: Most Important Art Show 12/3-12/6/09

The Art Basel Miami Beach is deemed the most important art show in the United States as well as a cultural and social highlight for all the Americas. That is quite a description to live up to, but year after year this art show does.

As a sister to the world’s most important art show, Switzerland Art Basel, Miami Beach brings it all: top galleries, special exhibitions, parties, and crossover events from the worlds of music, film, architecture and design. With so much going on and so many quality works of art on display, it is no wonder The Art Basel Miami Beach is a favorite meeting place for the international art world.

1. Discover the Art District’s Architecture 12/1/09 – 1/8/09

dallas architectureThe largest urban arts district in the US is now complete with the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts.  The performing arts center is a masterpiece of work from four Pulitzer Prize winning architects: Norman Foster, Rem Koolhass, I.M. Pei, and Renzo Piano.

At this exhibit there are also other important buildings to the civic history of Dallas that can be viewed at the authentic living museum of architecture in the Dallas Arts District. The buildings are placed into a larger context within the astonishing architectural splendor. Take a guided walking tour and enjoy examining the District’s evolution- for this month only!