The Doors are like a religion unto themselves. This may sound utterly pretentious, but 40 years after the fact, they remain the unique kind of band one either chooses to believe in or not. For seculars, The Doors were just a weird rock n’ roll band, good for nothing more than an acid trip in the desert… but for believers such as myself, they are a potent and generous source of dark magic – simultaneously contagious and healing. Tom Dicillo’s epic-yet-intimate documentary “When You’re Strange” manages to contradict itself in a wonderful way: it both deconstructs the lore while also adding new depth to it. Exclusively utilizing vintage footage of the band, including never-before-seen film of a bearded Morrison navigating an existential journey through the desert, “WYS” is a truly transcendental experience. A documentary such as this is proof-positive that The Doors might have opened in 1965 on a sunny day in Venice Beach, CA… but they remain open in 2010 for anyone willing to walk through them.
by Elizabeth Manson
photos by Bona Hong
“What’s the difference between a festival and a rave? The sun.” Read the whole story »
by Elizabeth Manson
photos by Bona Hong
The corner of North Venice and Pacific was abuzz with art enthusiasts for the opening of “Alice Neel: Paintings” at LA Louver last Thursday, May 20th. I readily admit to my ignorance about Neel and her legacy, but her name is obviously a big draw in the sophisticated art community—the gallery echoed with intense intellectual discussion as throngs of art-lovers poured through the doors. Read the whole story »
by Nancy Accomando
Rogue Taxidermy is the creation of oddities using traditional taxidermy materials and techniques. Animals are not killed for the work, but are used to open a dialogue about death & taxidermy. Read the whole story »
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. Read the whole story »
Marco Mannone
