The L.A. Culture

Buon Weekend! (as the Italians say). Next Monday marks the beginning of many exciting things to do in Los Angeles. Whenever I'm bored on the weekends, I always find myself at a loss for things to do (aside from shopping and eating, that is). But I am truly excited about the end of October - early November events.

How can I not be? The MOCA is having a Takashi Murakami exhibit!! For those of you unfamiliar with his work, I'm sure you've probably seen it and just didn't know. Think about those playful Louis Vuitton bags that marked the beginning of LV's revolution into hipster-hood. Or even now, when those cute cartoons can no longer be found, the Monogram Multicolore is a remnant of his work for the brand.

Murakami's work

Murakami for Louis Vuitton

Murakami's work is a testament to the influence of Japanese art and pop culture on the world. His work for Louis Vuitton is only a glimpse of what the artist has to offer. I'm really excited to see the exhibit and learn more about him and get to see some of his art. For while I've seen his work through my frequents to Japanese shops (Giant Robot and the like), I have yet to learn more about the art and the anime. This week's LA WEEKLY has a cover story on the exhibit. And how can you miss it with all the banners around town? The exhibit runs from October 29th to February 11th. (The exhibit is having a special opening on October 27th for MoCa members.) I don't think I'll catch it for another few weeks, so if you do get to see it first, PLEASE! Let me know how it is :)

AND, speaking of the influence of Japanese culture on the world, check out this month's issue of WIRED MAGAZINE where they illustrate, in Manga form, the impact of these Japanese cartoons on Americans and the world. Another reason why I am in love with Japanese culture. :)

ANOTHER great event in town is the AFI Film Festival, which runs from November 1-11th, where my beloved ArcLight in Hollywood becomes transformed into the headquarters for the festival, and all things AFI Film Fest. Having visited a few film festivals, Los Angeles is not a city I picture to have a festival, despite it being the hub for celebrities and film production. However, if you're yearning to see a new, unreleased indie flick, or maybe even to catch a glimpse of a celeb, swing by the ArcLight during those dates. If anything, you can experience the great popcorn -- voted the best in town(and wonderful seats) that the ArcLight has to offer.