'levitated mass' sculpture: los angeles

photo by: RobinArcuri What: Levitated Mass
When: TBA
Where: LACMA, The Resnick North Lawn

The real story of Levitated Mass by artist Michael Heizer—a 340-ton granite ‘megalith’ on a 456’-long slot constructed on LACMA’s North lawn—may perhaps be in its journey.

While the piece was conceived in 1968, it wasn’t until decades later—in Riverside County, California—that Heizer discovered ‘an appropriate boulder’.

One of the largest megaliths to be moved since ancient times, the concept recalls the ancient traditions of carving stones using primitive tools, while at the same time relying on the appreciation of abstract forms in modern art—both of which used feats of engineering to make them a reality.

Check out its gut-wrenching, highly orchestrated transport at The Journey to LACMA.

And now that it’s reached its destination behind the Resnick Pavilion, it’s under wraps while the sculpture goes through the final phases of construction—so until the unveiling, learn more about Michael Heizer and follow the progress on Twitter at #LACMArock.

food+lab cafe

At food+lab cafe, find comfort in their breakfast and lunch, catering and take away menus.

Featuring down-to-earth comfort foods—especially hearty and heart healthy homemade granola and muesli and organic poultry and eggs—find it in Los Angeles and dig in!

Thanks to cristina, store manager west hollywood, for this submission.

cicLAvia, 2011

photo by: standardpixelWhat: CicLAvia
When: Sunday, October 9, 10am-3pm
Where: Los Angeles

In response to the congestion and pollution of the city streets in Bogota, Columbia, Ciclovías began there over thirty years ago in 1976.

Today they’re held every Sunday and Holidays—and they’re growing in popularity here as we become more concerned about the environment and take to biking which offers a healthy alternative to vehicular transportation.

For five hours this Sunday, the notorious streets of LA will be closed to motor traffic as CicLAvia makes them safe for people to walk, skate, play—and ride a bike.

Quickly becoming a bi-annual event—as shops and restaurants along the route open their doors to participants—seven and a half miles of streets were car-free for the 2010 event and this October new spurs in Chinatown and South LA will be added.

photo by: henryjose

Thanks to cristina, store manager west hollywood, for this submission.

california design exhibit: los angeles

photo by: andrewarchyWhat: California Design, 1930–1965: “Living in a Modern Way”
When: October 1, 2011 thru March 25, 2012
Where: LACMA, The Resnick Pavilion

California Design—specifically from 1930-1965, or the midcentury modern period—will get its due as this exhibit focuses on its role in creating a material culture which spread across the country and throughout the world.

More than 300 objects will be on display—including furniture, ceramics, metalwork, fashion and textiles, and industrial and graphic design—by such noted designers as locals Charles and Ray Eames.

Together, the Eames’ define mid-century modern—and their living room is sure to be a highlight of this exhibit. Yes, all 1,864 items from their living room have been moved across the city and placed in a duplicate at LACMA while the Eames Foundation, as part of its 250-year preservation plan, begins the work of maintaining the original 1949 Pacific Palisades house—now over 60 years old.

The house itself will be closed to public viewing until March 2012 so to avoid disappointment, contact the Foundation at least 48 hours in advance to confirm appointments to view the grounds. And don’t miss other exhibits in collaboration with Pacific Standard Time.

Thanks to todd, senior visual merchant west, for this submission.

possible worlds exhibit: los angeles

photo by: lavocado What: Possible Worlds: Mario Ybarra Jr., Karla Diaz, and Slanguage Studio Select from the Permanent Collections
Where: LACMA, Ahmanson Building, Level 2
When: now thru September 25

In collaboration with LACMA and the Watts House Project, an artist-driven urban revitalization project centered around the historic Watts Towers, Ybarra, Diaz, and Slanguage, the artist’s team of collaborators, participated in a residency at the home of longtime residents of Watts, the Garcia family.

Featuring assemblage, folk art, vernacular graphics, images of the Watts Towers and art from the LACMA collection selected by the artist which connect the art works from the Watts site to the LACMA campus.

The core of the exhibition takes its point of reference from the legacy of Simon Rodia, local folk artist and creator of the Watts Towers, and the impulse to create alternative or possible worlds out of unconventional materials and unorthodox impulses.