Looking for Art at the LA Art Walk
ShareThis
The monthly LA Art Walk is next week, on February 11th, but I’m still not over December’s walk. I made it late that month and landed in front of the Bradbury building around 8:30pm. The scene was clusters of fashionistas in homemade couture and gaggles of “uptowners” making their way through the homeboys with beer cans at hand.
I thought I was going to be checking out the galleries and taking in some free wine while at it. Instead, I found myself on survival mode, dodging shoulders and scrounging through empty bottles. Don’t get me wrong: I love a good crowd of characters and marginalized divas… but this was a mix of “last call!” at the Beverly Center and a reminiscence of Skid Row.
Not since the LA of the early 80’s had the town felt a pulse outside of Hollywood, especially in Downtown. So now that there is synergy and people are actually “chismeando” about art and exchanging ideas, let’s harness it. Right now, the empty real estate still in a rut due to the economy, so it’s calling for artists to bring people into their “loft” condos. But what will happen to artists once the economy flips?
Here is the thing:Â If you, like I, are looking for the Downtown LA Art experience of Gronk (trail blazing Chicano Artist, if you didn’t know) and the raw artist’s studio that smells of oil paint and cigarette buds, all you will find are crowds of wannabe’s looking to be seen in the Miami-esque condos that are posing as “alternative spaces” until they sell. This is a wake up call Angelinos to establish long lasting collaborations, create for permanence and thrive.
For now I give the LA Art Walk a thumbs down. How was your walk?
I have never been to the LA ARt WAlk but the same thing happens in NYC. Similar organizations of events have taken place in the LES, Dumbo, Williamsburg, and the Bronx. With the economic downturn more and more events are being organized in empty temporary spaces with FOR RENT signs. The question you pose at the end is an important one that unfortunately still remains unanswered…What about building sustainable relationships with artists and the audience who truly follows their work? Using art as an excuse to hobnob/be seen/ or pose as cultured- could I am sure be tons of fun but what happens to the artist?the art? and its true audience? WE should be thinking about organizing events that go beyond getting trendy attention and really plan for the “what after?”!
by Angela on February 1, 2010 at 6:03pmThanks for bringing this to our attention!!
I went once and do not plan to go again. I do not support organizations that exploit artists. There should be a medium to make artist studios accesible to the public, no middle man.
by Platanito on February 1, 2010 at 11:01pmI have never been to the LA Art Walk. They do have similar events in NYC though. I agree, There are a lot of people who dress up to the nine’s and think they are hot shit. They go to these events for the wrong reasons. They just want to be seen. Also, you bring a good point, I agree that traditional values of the arts need to be brought back and to bring lasting impressions, mutual bonds with the artists and add a contemporary vibe. I am glad you brought this topic up.
by Marita on February 1, 2010 at 11:45pmYou make an interesting point, but I must disagree with you. The LA Art Walk is a great experience for all. I live in LA in Silver Lake and I go at night once a month and put on my designer clothes to express my art for fashion. I go to see and support the artist in the LA area, as they express their art. I don’t see what’s wrong with people dressing up for a social art event. It’s social so, of course drinks well be served and people are going to chit chat; While we enjoin the art that is showcased. I’m waiting for it to become a Red Carpet event. To market the artist.
by Lady Coco on February 2, 2010 at 11:25amWhy is it a big deal that it’s becoming a social event with fashionable people? We are all artist in some way. I like to paint my self in designer clothes.
I think that so far my LA Art Walks have been grrreat! I’ve been living in LA all my life and LA is definitely more alive than ever, our building structures are just glorious, however, you are right in the fact that many people are there to just get drunk and high between the crowd, it’s as if they have nothing better to do every second Thursday of each month (lol). Anyhow back to the arts, growing up in LA graffiti is something that has been considered as vandalism. To me it is just a type of visual art (calligraphy) Crewest is one of my favorite galleries during the the walk and many more……….until next time guys Peace, Love & Art.
P.S.
check out their web page http://www.crewest.com/
Love Naomi
by Naomi Gonzalez on February 2, 2010 at 11:56pmI love artwalk! It’s all what you make it and who you go with. Particularly the little marketplace on Main is really good. I got some AMAZING cream from an African woman there who makes all her own scrubs, creams + the clothes/art on sale are very one of a kind. I’m checking out THIS show tonight (2/11) called LOVE & PASSION. All the info is here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=318174320655&ref=mf
by nati on February 11, 2010 at 3:32pm