Tag Archives: LA

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

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.

Hard Rock LA

Hard Rock is a haven for fans of music, food, and great times. Whether you are down for a Legendary Burger, live music, a Classic Tee, a Rock Star Suite, or the latest collectible pin, there’s something for everyone. Every Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel & Casino, or Live around the world serves up authentic experiences that rock. Since its establishment in 1971, Hard Rock has also been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities. Love All – Serve All.

The Ever Expanding California Science Center

The California Science Center is the West Coast’s largest hands-on science center- and is only growing- with additions being scheduled for 2010 and beyond. From daredevil activities like bicycling a nearly 50 foot tight rope to playing with cuddly chicks, the ScienCenter, as it’s creatively spelled, has a myriad of exhibits for every age and personality. Permanent exhibits include the Air and Space Gallery that has artifacts and hands-on activities on the exploration of the final frontier, World of Life, which explores all things living- from single cell amoeba to elephants and Creative World that’s about all things technology. If you get tired from running around all day, sit back and relax at an entertaining film at the Center’s IMAX Theater.

Pizzeria Mozza: The People Will Tell You It’s Amazing

The pizza is fabulous, the caprese salad is mouthwatering, and the olive oil ice cream is to die for. Owned by Italian culinary heavyweights Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich (son of Lidia Bastianich), don’t be surprised to see that every patron walking out of Pizzeria Mozza raves about every single dish on the menu.

The portions, ideally shared family style, bring the best Italian food to Los Angeles from some of the most talented chefs in the world. The collaboration that is Pizzeria Mozza is far more casual than it’s sister Osteria, but the food is in no way sacrificed.

If you plan on making reservations the day before, think again. Though you might find yourself eating at the bar, the food is that good that you might not even care. This Hollywood hotspot brings fancy food to a casual setting, and that my friends is “Amore!”

Welcome to the New and Improved MOCA

Only in Hollywood can a museum bring out so many A-listers. Art lovers Brangelina, Lady Gaga, and members of the Bolshoi Ballet were part of an eclectic mix to honor the new Museum of Contemporary Art.

The MOCA is the only museum in Los Angeles devoted solely to contemporary art. It houses nearly 6000 pieces (and growing!) from all mediums of art produced after 1939. The museum is actually in three facilities: MOCA Grand Avenue, The Geffen Observatory at MOCA, and MOCA Pacific Design Center. The collection is so impressive that it’s regarded as one of the most important collections in showcasing the post-war world.

And as you can see, it is a favorite for many of Los Angeles’ most elite artists.

Star-Gazing Without the Paparazzi at Griffith Observatory

Mixed in with Hollywood nightclubs and overrated bars, you will find one of the best places in Los Angeles where the stars aren’t driving drunk and wearing Dior. The Griffith Observatory is one of the only places that actually makes learning interesting and gives you first hand access to star-gazing at its finest.

With multiple exhibits and shows, you can learn all sorts of stuff, from constellations to how much you would weigh on the moon. Even though this place is great to visit with friends, it is filled with couples and PDA galore since walking and admiring the sky is a perfect activity for two.

They are closed Monday and the weekends can get really crowded, so make sure you get there early enough to be able to walk around before it closes at 10. Even though the romantic date spot and beautiful sky scenery should be enough to sway you, the even better perks are that it is free and so is parking.

Finally, a place where you don’t have to pay to see some stars.

2. Last Chance for Rare Picasso & More 12/1-12/12/09

Picasso is known for his abstract paintings, but he was also a talented ceramic artist. Having one of the largest collections of Picasso ceramics to be offered by a private gallery, The Andrew Weiss Gallery is proudly presenting Picasso Ceramics (1947-1969). For the first time, more than 50 rare ceramic works are being made available to collectors. Picasso’s quest to master all mediums is demonstrated through this exhibition that also includes his drawings, etchings, and lithographs.

Additionally, the exhibit includes works by Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, and other 20^th century masters.

Love Yourself in Le Labo Perfume

If you have always wanted your signature scent and didn’t know where to turn, Le Labo Fragrances is an absolute must. The inside of the store looks more like a testing lab than a chic boutique, but the gentle details and eloquent touches give you a “Paris chic” vibe that the bustling streets of L.A. are missing.

One of the specialists in the store will walk you through your scent likes and dislikes, leaving you in charge to create your own signature scent. Though the bottles can get a bit pricey, they make great gifts that allow you to put your name and expiration date on the bottle.

If the idea of mixing lavender and vanilla all day long sounds unappealing, you can always opt for the other solution and purchase the perfumes on their website. Le Labo Fragrances on 3rd Street is one of those unforgettable places that makes you feel one of a kind, just like the perfume you bring home.

LA’s “Original” Farmers Market

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Culturally Clad at Club Mayan