One of the most influential artists of the 20-th century, David Hockney is well known for landscapes of L.A. canyons and swimming pools. Hockney’s new show, opening April 15^th at LACMA, “82 Portraits, 1 Still-Life,” presents exactly what it promises, and displays the artist’s luscious use of color and his wry wit. Each portrait was painted in Hockney’s LA studio over a three-day period, and the  subjects all sit in the same chair, with the same background of periwinkle blue and teal panels. But the similarities highlight differences between facial expressions and body positions of these people, who consist of Hockney’s siblings, office staff, and close friends—including some luminaries such gallery owner Larry Gagosian, architect Frank Gehry, and artist John Baldessari.  Some subjects seem to be studying the painter as closely as he is studying them, while others look into the distance. The viewer registers distinct tones in the relationships between artist and subject; intimacy, care, and respect are palpable.

In an interview, Hockney revealed a tragic “backstory”: in 2013, his assistant and friend Dominic Elliot died suddenly and accidentally. This caused depression and a period of creative difficulty. When he was able to paint again, Hockney created a portrait. He continued with portraiture, and this show is a testimony to not only the artist’s talent, but to the healing endeavor that is his work. “82 Portraits” runs through July 29^th. More information is available at www.lacma.org.

For all things happening at LACMA, click here.

Recently, pop up art exhibits in Los Angeles are all the rage. The Museum of Ice Cream was the hottest ticket last year and now it’s Candytopia which is located in the Santa Monica Place Mall. Upon arrival we took our places in line to check in. The exhibit “players” are full of enthusiastic fun and games to enhance the experience. A very nice touch!

The space is progressive and leads guests from room to room. After our official greeting from the Librarian and signing in on the master drawing board, we were lead through the main gallery that offered up some of the usual suspects (Mona Lisa, Marilyn Monroe, Prince, and Willy Wonka) made entirely out of candy. Similar to the Rose Parade’s floats that are made completely from flowers, these creations are made with a variety of clever sizes and cuts of colored candy. And they give out lots of free samples! Each room offered a different kind for us to try.

Hands down, the best part of the exhibit is the “marshmallow pool” where all guests are able to take a swim. Outrageously silly and a bit strange, but oh so great. The exhibit is designed for kids, but I think it’s fun for the kid in all of us!

Candytopia is located inside the Santa Monica Place Mall.

The USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena has re-opened after an 18 month closure to undergo a $5 million seismic retrofitting resulting in new permanent galleries featuring rare never-before-displayed pieces. The building is worth a visit on its own. In 1924 art dealer and collector Grace Nicholson hired the leading Pasadena architectural firm Marston, Van Pelt and Maybury to translate her ideas into a serenely beautiful building designed in the Chinese Imperial Palace style, around a central courtyard, with upturned roof tiles, and marble carvings imported directly from China. In 1925 Southland Magazine wrote, “It is far and away the most beautiful building of which Pasadena can boast” and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum is a treasure trove of Asian art, with more than 17,000 objects including art from Asia and the Pacific Islands, spanning more than five thousand years. The Jade Collection includes 150 Chinese works from the Neolithic period including a pair of jade earrings believed to have been owned by China’s last Dowager Empress, CiXi. The Costumes and Textiles collection features 50 stunningly beautiful Imperial Chinese silk robes and an important Chinese embroidered handscroll signed and dated 1627.

For all things happening at Pacific Asia Museum, click here.

The new celebrity photography exhibition, Hollywood Royale: Out of the School of Los Angeles, is not to be missed. On display at the Fahey/Klein Gallery are groundbreaking photographs mostly portraiture by noted Hollywood photographer Matthew Rolston who came to fame via the 1980’s magazine scene. Rolston helped define many of the era’s superstar icons from Michael Jackson and Madonna to Cyndi Lauper and Prince. This beautiful collection of photographs clearly sets the tone for the cult of fame that surrounds us today. His works are known for their gender bending, over the top styling, use of glamorous lighting, and detailed settings. “It has always been my goal to surprise an audience with an image that challenges preconceived notions of a particular subject, especially if that person is extremely well known. I like to think of my photographs form the 1980s as attempting to be entertainment experiences all on their own… and I often leave small clues behind in my images that might amuse my audience with a sly touch of wit,” noted Rolston.

Rolston was discovered by Andy Warhol who commissioned multiple celebrity photographs which frequently appeared in his famed magazine, Interview. During Rolston’s extraordinary career his photographs appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and on more than 100 covers of Rolling Stone.

For all things happening at Fahey/Klein Gallery, click here.