It’s amazing what you can find on the internet. What’s more amazing
is how the artists in MISAPPROPRIATION use images found on the
internet to create artwork. From January 23rd through the 30th, the
online world and the art world managed to collide at Studio Orange in
Culver City.
MISAPPROPRIATION, described as a “pop-up group show,” consisted of
work from four different artists. After checking out the screwdrivers
in the back patio—as in the refreshing beverage, not hand tool—and the
orange flavored candies (Studio Orange was keeping with a theme
fitting to its name), I’m ready to check out some art. One of the
first pieces to catch my attention …

Brilliant artwork, informal talks, interactive and hands-on opportunities – an exhibition to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about van Gogh and his work with an exhibition opening with a public reception from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2010, at the Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 W. Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes.
The free exhibition runs through July 18, 2010. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 – 4 p.m. Sunday.

Often mistakenly dubbed as the “Mexican Halloween,” Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, holds a special significance to the descendants of the Meso-Americans. Part of a ritual that has been practiced for over 3,000 years, Dia de los Muertos honors death as a continuation of life. Celebrants wear skull masks, called calacas, or face paint to honor deceased relatives and build elaborate altars to fill with offerings for the dead. For all its mysticism, at its core, the celebration is about family and community.

When I found out that the 15th Annual Los Angeles Art Show is taking place at the LA Convention Center this year, I immediately flashed back to the last time I was there, about 5 years ago, getting sworn in as an American citizen. Instead of being surrounded by fellow foreigners awkwardly waving our tiny American flags as a video George Bush, wheat fields, and smiling children played on a large screen, this time I was surrounded by rich old people, hipsters, and hungry reporters.

The National Italian American Foundation and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Los Angeles co-host Canali.
To view Mario Canali’s art is to transport into a world of paradox, both delightful and disturbing. Featuring inquisitive human hybrids and surreal landscapes, Canali’s works are disruptive, edgy and innovative, as they were when he painted them in the 70s’ and 80s’. To gaze into the eyes of his creatures is like looking into the eyes of a lion, knowing you are safe only because they are caged. Canali’s hybrid humans not only catch the eye, they hold it spellbound.