Art and Cultural Fix

LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) may just be the greatest museum in Los Angeles. Not only does it take a 100 years to get through, but it features the nostalgic La Brea tarpits that all LA kids will remember from field trips of yesteryear. Also, as of 2008, the museum expanded its contemporary art collection with BCAM, a new building devoted solely to modern art. Filled with mind-boggling giant art (gargantuan tables and chairs), a golden Michael Jackson monkey, butterfly churches, and the usual Warhols and Lichtensteins, BCAM is sure to impress and wow you. Perfect for a date or a solo romp for a lost angel. I promise, you’ll be feeling cultured and smarter after a visit, unlike after watching Rock of Love, where you feel strangely satisfied, but alas, not “smarter.” Free after 5… I mean, donation only.

When I was at UCLA, I went to this little gem of a museum only once. Now, that I’m graduated and a certified “old person,” I now hang out in Westwood solely for this place. Right now, noted African American artists Kara Walker has got this incredible exhibition, where she explores themes of raceand slave culture through silhouette art and films. You can also take you cell phone and call a certain phone number that will give you a lowdown on specific pieces of art, so you don’t have to shell out the extra $5 for those headsets.
The museum itself is pretty small, but they’ve always got the best contemporary art exhibitions from emerging artists. Makes you feel pretty crappy that you’re the same age and still stuck somewhere in a cubicle, but hopeful, because maybe you’ll get out!
The visiting collections are where the money’s at. And if you don’t want to actually spend any money, because you spent it all on getting wasted at Brew Co up the street, go on a Thursday, when it’s free.