Opening to the public on Sunday, Raku: The Cosmos in a Tea Bowl comprises nearly 100 Raku masterpiece ceramics used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Raku refers to the quick, low-fire technique for making ceramics and, in the Japanese tradition, only a single person named Raku has represented each of the 15 generations of master potters. A first of its kind presentation in the U.S., this exhibition is only on view at LACMA. Members see it first (and free) on Saturday as part of Member Previews. Additionally, on weekends only, visitors can participate in a series of tea ceremony demonstrations through the run of the exhibition. Each demonstration is followed by a tasting. This free event is open to the public, but reservations are required.
Friday night, from the Film Independent at LACMA series, see the second part of A Tribute to Mad Men at 7:30 pm. In recognition of the final season of this popular television series, the two episode screening includes a Q&A from series actor Kiernan Shipka and costume designer Janie Bryant. Advance tickets are no longer available but a number of walk-up tickets are available at the door. On Saturday at noon, take part in a Art + Technology Lab project from artist John Craig Freeman. In EEG AR: Things We Have Lost participants can “conjure” virtual reality objects via brainwave technology. Visit the Lab to find out more.
Sunday evening at 6 pm Sundays Live presents the virtuoso Abbey Simon, a “pianists’ pianist” by all accounts, performing works from Beethoven. And in the early afternoon at Andell Family Sundays make your own instruments à la objects found in Ancient Colombia: A Journey through the Cauca Valley. Free docent-led tours this weekend include a look at modern sculpture at 2:30 pm on Saturday and the artworks of social critic and provocateur Ed Kienholz at 2:30 pm on Sunday.
Around the galleries take a look James Turrell’s installation Breathing Light (free, as part of general admission) for an immersive experience that puts into question your perception. In the BP Grand Entrance take notice of Christine Corday: Protoist Series, Selected Forms in series of works in which she aims to suspend the moment between sensory perception and definition. And in The Allure of Venice print and drawing selections from LACMA’s permanent collection celebrate the vitality of draughtsmanship from Venetian masters.
Lastly, on Saturday night between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm, LACMA will participate in Earth Hour, a global environmental movement and a call for action on climate change, by turning off Chris Burden’s Urban Light. Join us then for a small party and a chance to show your support. Tag your pics and posts to social media with the hashtag #EarthHour2015 and be part of this worldwide happening.