3 Can’t Miss Art Exhibits This Week

From Pop to the Pit: LAPL Photo Collection Celebrates the Los Angeles Music Scene, 1978-1989

It’s no secret that LA has some major rock music cred – this is the home of legendary bands like Los Lobos and The Doors after all. The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is currently highlighting some of its history with a 31-image exhibition that showcases Los Angeles during its 1980s music scene. The LAPL has pulled photos from their Herald-Examiner archive and teamed up with photojournalist Gary Leonard to display pieces that capture the essence of the strong, eclectic rock scene at the time. The pictures take you back to the days when a young Anthony Kiedes fronted the Chili Peppers, Black Flag played local gigs and Mexican-American rocker El Vez charmed the underground music scene with his interpretation of Elvis Presley. Lets not forget that the 80s were a major time for hip hop too; look out for appearances by rappers like Easy E who were big players in the rap scene. The exhibit may not capture all of the musicians who were making noise, but its coverage doesn’t fail to remind us what a musical gem LA is.

On display through June 28, 2015
Los Angeles Public Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Guerilla Girls: Art in Action

Tired of the boring exclusive art world dominated by white men in New York during the 1980s, the Guerrilla Girls stormed into the art scene with a message: More art by women artists was needed, pronto. Adopting a punk like visual aesthetic, the ladies created posters, newsletters and other material that loudly pointed out the lack of representation in the scene. Wearing masks to hide their identities and taking on the names of deceased female artists, including Frida Kahlo, the Guerilla Girls put their art on the streets for everyone to see. 30 years later, the female art force is still fighting for feminist ideals and artistic equality. Check out their messages at The Pomona College Museum of Art where selected Guerilla Girl works from 1985-2012 are on display. With humor, satire and a kick of realness this exhibit unapologetically brings the conversation of race, gender and sexuality to your face.

On display through May 17, 2015
Pomona College Museum of Art
330 N. College Avenue
Claremont CA, 91711

Catch a live performance of the Guerilla Girls on Thursday February 5th.

Eyez On Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur

To live and die in L.A., it’s the place to be. 
You’ve got to be there to know it, what everybody wanna see.’Cause would it be L.A. without Mexicans?
 Black love brown pride and the sets again.

There is no doubt Tupac was passionate about LA. “To Live and Die in LA” is just one of the many songs that paid tribute to the diversity of this city. But Tupac’s songs were more than just west coast hip hop anthems, his songs went into deeper issues that many who grew up in the hood can relate to. His lyricism was nothing short of poetry and for the first time his writings will be available for you to see. The Grammy museum is paying homage to the iconic rapper’s messages by displaying his handwritten notes, lyrics, poems, and his original tape box post prison release. Other memorabilia including the Versace suit he wore to the 1996 Grammy Awards will also be on display. Catch pieces of Tupac’s legacy at the museum’s Mark Curb Gallery.

On display through April 22, 2015
Mark Curb Gallery
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, California