The Los Angeles Art Scene - Assignment Example

ArtBlog: The Los Angeles Art Scene I. Reflective Writing The Los Angeles art scene could be a powerful eye-opener to a lotof people. It was to me. Whenever I talk about the Los Angeles art scene to my acquaintances from far-off places, it never failed to surprise them that Los Angeles has more to offer than Disneyland and Hollywood. Then very recently, I went to visit a community garden, and even though I know that art embraces a wide world of ideas and concepts, the thought has not hit me squarely in the face until after this. That is why I said it was an eye-opener. For all the time I lived in L.A., all I was aware of is that for the past decades, the art scene has been on the rise. Galleries open here and there, and museums feature exhibits that are not to be missed. Yet that visit to a community garden opened me to a whole new world of the art scene. Of course the Museum of Contemporary Art, the L.A. County Art Museum, and the Getty Center house several of the best pieces of art in the world. But ever since a community garden opened my eye to something new about art, I have been keener to observe those Chinatown galleries that feature up-and-coming artists that houses a more “homely” type of art. I have been more appreciative of the unpretentious airs in several of these galleries like Kathryn Brennans, Tom Solomans, and China Art Objects. What that little community garden did to my art perspective was huge. Since then, I never have to look far to see art in my surroundings. I can see it in simple places and things. In the community garden, I never thought the day would come where I would be looking at garden plots as works of art. Yes, they may not be technically pieces of art, but works of art they are. There is no such thing as being too radical or being too conventional in art. Now I know there are no rules. Art is when it moves you even when you do not know why. Getty Center Aside from being appreciative of art, I also love books. What moved me the most in the Getty Center is its collection of books within the Getty Research Institute and the vast collection of pictures of different architectures. Additionally, I also find it fascinating to stare at the illuminated manuscripts and glimmering decorative arts and furniture. I agree with Natalie that the museums programs and activities for kids and families are a joy to behold. I visited the place a few times, and I must state that for adults who do not have any kids in tow, it is worthwhile to catch the nighttime view of the place. Street Art I am all for self-expression. Sadly, the street art scene in Los Angeles is something that I believe fails to get its point across to several people. People would find it weird how people like me can appreciate something that is technically considered crime, graffiti, or even eyesore. But that is the keyword --- technically. I believe that art is when it moves you, and it is always a matter of personal opinion. What I find awesome in street art is how it can be done, destroyed or removed, or even dissed, in a matter of hours. The art here is, in a way, for me at least, in the mystery and transience of the work. The “Art” of Living in L.A. It is a widely-accepted fact that Los Angeles is New Yorks fiercest competitor when it comes to art. However, L.A. still has a long way to go to gain the upper hand. The question is: Does L.A. really want to compete with, or outdo, N.Y. in terms of art market activity? Is it not true that the reason that makes L.A. an intriguing and valuable art market player is the diverse cultural and artistic identity and integrity of its art? This is why I would rather stay in L.A. for a career in art. L.A. art is what I know. It is what moves me. It is what I will do. II. Teenage Culture and Consumerism in mid-20th Century Los Angeles Age segregation is one of the consequences of compulsory high school. This system of education causes teenagers to be separated from adults for the most part of their stay in school. This resulted in the birth of peer society because a large part of the daily social interactions of teenagers are among their peers (Chudacoff 56). This peer-based social framework is furthered by educational institutions who introduced school activities that encouraged this. With this came the birth of the term “teenager” that refers to those within the youth demographic (Hine 221). Businesses found this market demographic as potentially strong consumers. However, this resulted in the further segregation of the teens and adults because this marketing strategy “relies on the isolation of these young people from the adult society” (Hine 226). Teens then became more and more encouraged to enjoy their freedom to consume products that are specifically made for them, while insisting on being treated and recognized as a demographic that have equal rights like the adults. New York Times Magazine published “A Teen-Age Bill of Rights” in 1945 stating that teens should be allowed: a) to be romantic at this age, b) to not be imposed with rules, c) to learn through mistakes, and; d) to let childhood be forgotten (Chudacoff 63). Youth culture sociologists state that the 1950s was a crucial period where adult attitudes toward the youth and teenage peer culture emerged following the factors and dynamics that were already in effect such as age segregation, youth-oriented advertisements, compulsory high school, and the everyday events that emphasize the teen identity and status (Chudacoff 61). However, adults began to worry about possible mass rebellion and corruption of these youth by older groups in the society. Social issues like politics, spirituality, sex, and drugs drove the teens and adults further apart (Hine 215). Sensationalized behaviors of older youth caused hysteria and more worry to parents who tried to begin separating the youth from the rest of the culture and tried to dissolve whatever freedom these teens were enjoying at that time. The constructed age marker “18” is not about the persons development, but more about control (Hine 217) . Chudacoff, Howard P. Children at Play: An American History. New York: New York University Press, 2007. Print. Hine, Thomas. The Rise and Fall of the American Teenager. New York: Bard, 1999. Print. Film Noir No doubt that Hollywood is very much influenced with the evolution of styles in films. After the Nazi occupation of France in the 1940s, the sudden influx of Hollywood movies made France notice how gloom and pessimism are reflected in the American film (Coe 173). The atrocities of war created a dark shadow over “America who felt helpless and powerless to do something about these conflicts” (Santos 52). Films during that period reflected this concept especially in story plots concerning heroes whose fate is inevitable and predestined. Voice-overs were predominant too, mirroring how the world is turning inward (Santos 53). These were all very influential in creating the cinematic term “film noir.” Coe, T. "Film Noir." Italian Americana. 27.2 (2009): 173. Print. SANTOS, SHEROD. "Film Noir." The Yale Review. 97.1 (2009): 52-53. Print. Revolutionary Time A striking effect of the revolutionary times is the concept of the femme fatale. Although the concept of dangerous females was not new during those times (Hales 226) (remember “A Fool There Was” in 1915?), it was even made obvious post-war. I believe this is what we call the “Rosie the Riveter Syndrome.” This development in gender roles played a big part in noir films. In a way, femme fatales reinforced the cinematic dangers lurking beneath the general idea of film noirs. After the WWII, the men came home to find suddenly independent wives taking over the job vacancies they left behind. The femme fatale is the embodiment of the threatened role of males and played a vital part in film noir exploration of the murky side of human nature (Hales 231-2). Hales, B. "Projecting Trauma: the Femme Fatale in Weimar and Hollywood Film Noir." Women in German Yearbook. 23 (2007): 224-243. Print. III. L.A. 1960-1980: Venice Beach Lifestyle is All About Freedom It is a widely-accepted fact that a visit to Venice Beach will expose you to a diverse and creative array of tourists, merchants, artists, and even sidewalk vendors. Freelance and independence spell the ambiance of the place. This famous Southern California beach has its own share of striking history starting from the post-WWII years that makes evident the liberal thinking of the people who frequented the place. Venice has been a neglected place during the 1050s. It was known then as the “Slum by the Sea.” No obvious improvements were done until government funds became available in 1954. Due to this, it attracted several immigrants from Europe plus a noticeable mixture of Jewish refugees from the Nazi camps. This is because of its cheap housing it provides. Writers, poets, and counter-cultural individuals also made Venice their “meeting place.” One very dominant and popular place for artists is the Gas House on Ocean Front Walk where smoking dope while holding poetry readings were done, which eventually attracted the attention and ire of the local police (Griffiths 177-9). “GASHOUSE VENICE BEACH 1960” Picture by Robert Huffstutter, posted on August 3, 2011. Downloaded from http://www.flickr.com/photos/huffstutterrobertl/6005231787/ By 1961, the government began to consider tearing down the place in order to improve the community, and possibly to break down the rising population of defiant “hippies.” The city government decided to enforce a building code (Griffiths 186). But honestly, with a place looking like it was bombed during the war, and with the predominant poor populace, what bank would grant loans? Years later, the demolition was stopped in court, and organizations like the Peace and Freedom Party and the NAACP organized to protect the poor inhabitants of the place. From then, growth of political groups aimed at remaining faithful to the identity of the community began opposing projects that will strip the place of its culture and character. It is expected that more and more artists flocked the place, making it more popular in the eyes of their fellow artists, and notorious in the eyes of the officials (Griffiths 189-91). Now, every time I visit or see pictures of the place, I feel glad that the government was not able to turn it into the likes of Miami Beach. “Legalize it!” Picture by Sandra Gore, posted on August 9, 2011. Downloaded from http://www.sandraoffthestrip.com/2011/08/09/venice-beach-street-life-what-i-call-freedom/ The picture above plainly shows that freedom is what would first come to mind when you visit the famous Southern California Venice Beach. Griffiths, David B. Beach and Temple: Outsider Poets and Artists of Western America, 1953-1995. San Francisco, Calif: International Scholars Publications, 1998. Internet resource. Read More