Purple on Purple in DTLA

    Gorky's in downtown LA, sometime in the 1980s

I grew up in Orange County, and as a rule my parents took me and my two brothers on regular outings to Downtown LA in the 80s to get some culture beyond the 'Orange Curtain.' I vividly recall visits to exhibits at The Temporary Contemporary (MOCA) followed by bowls of borscht at the infamous Gorky's near Skid Row, Mexican meals at Serenata de Garibaldi, and shopping trips to the gritty streets of the Garment District. The steamy and gritty LA of the 80s has been transformed in recent years into a trendy area of designer residences, hip restaurants and young galleries. While I had an amazing art and gourmand filled weekend in '#DTLA' (I recall posting somewhere "That I Love LA" with Randy Newman lyrics in mind) I was aware that this is a far different DTLA than what I grew up on. 

Now for my LA 'Reel'. 

The reason for my trip was to see the retrospective of Larry Sultan's work at LACMA. I first saw his work at the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego in the late 80s with my mom and dad. The show was Pictures from Home, and was a body of work that has informed the way I think about family and photography.  It was fitting that I met my folks in LA to see this show, which was tremendous and equally moving. 

Larry Sultan Pictures from Home series on view at LACMA in Here and Home on view through July 19, 2015

Anish Kapoor was quite spectacular at Regen Projects in Hollywood.

Anish Kapoor, my mom and several security guards at Regen Projects

Julie Opperman was beautifully installed and shimmered at Mark Moore Gallery in Culver City. 

Installation view of Julie Opperman's exhibition at Mark Moore Gallery (My former employer in the 90s!) 

UCSB alum Laura Krifka had an entrancing Baroque style exhibition at CB1 Gallery. Her video was phenomenal. 

         Laura Krifka Reap the Whirlwind exhibition at CB1 Gallery's new space on Santa Fe Ave.

Daniela Comani's exhibition was wickedly good at Charlie James Gallery in Chinatown. 

        Daniela Comani's My Film History - Daniela Comani's Top 100 Films

I had a great studio visit with former Marx & Zavattero alum Timothy Nolan, whose studio was bursting with great work including his large scale Restack sculpture. 

         Timothy Nolan in his studio in DTLA. 

William Hunt's solo show Playing the Goat at Ibid was captivating, and there were many more great shows.

William Hunt's video at Ibid, LA

The food was also great as was the company. Thanks LA!

          Thanks to Timothy Nolan for shooting my purple on purple