As you may have heard, the 340-ton granite megalith that is slated to become part of Michael Heizer’s sculpture Levitated Mass is in the midst of its journey from Riverside to LACMA. We are constantly updating our “Gawker’s Guide” to give you the most accurate up-to-the-minute information on the boulder’s route as possible. Have you already encountered the megalith? Do you plan to? Tag us in your photos on Facebook and Twitter (hashtag: #LevitatedMass).
Megalith slated to become part of Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass, en route to Ontario, CA, during the second night of transport to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, March 1, 2012, © Michael Heizer, photo by Tom Vinetz
Besides the transport of the boulder, there is so much happening at LACMA this weekend for you and your family.
Tonight, the 1967 film Playtime kicks off the weekend and is the first in our series of three films hand-selected by artist Ellsworth Kelly that reflect his skeptical, unsentimental eye. Didn’t know about the series? LACMA Film Club members get advance notification of all film events as well as discounts on tickets.
This weekend is a perfect time to see our special exhibition In Wonderland if you haven’t already. In Wonderland has been hailed by critics far and wide as being an unprecedented survey of surrealist work by women artists in North America. UNFRAMED has featured a post about the influence of surrealism on contemporary music as well as a poignant tribute to the In Wonderland artist Dorothea Tanning, who recently passed away at the age of 101—both pieces are worth checking out. LACMA members get to see In Wonderland for free.
Dorothea Tanning, The Game of Chess, 1944, collection of Harold and Gertrud Parker, © 2011 Dorothea Tanning Collection and Archive/Artist’s Rights Society (ARS) New York/ADAGP, Paris, photo © Ben Blackwell
We have installed pieces from our permanent collection from two other notable artists who have also passed away recently. Two pieces by Mike Kelley and one sculpture, Zizi, by Ken Price are installed in the Ahmanson Building in tribute to those great artists.
Mike Kelley, Wallflowers, 1988, museum purchase with funds provided by the Awards in the Visual Arts Program
There are many other incredible exhibitions and installations on view right now. Ellsworth Kelly: Prints and Paintings is on view until April 22, and we’ve just posted a Facebook photo album of gallery shots for those of you who want a sneak peek at the exhibition. Our exhibitions Common Places, California Design, and Maria Nordman “FILM ROOM: SMOKE,” 1967–Present continue to inspire and amaze. Also, be sure to check Metropolis II operating times before your visit to catch it in action.
Join us on Sunday for Andell Family Sundays, where we’ll host a variety of tours and art-making activities for you and your family. While you’re here, enroll for your child in Arts for NexGen LACMA, the nation’s only free youth membership program. Our Sundays Live concert is at 6 pm and features the Capitol Ensemble—as always, Sundays Live concerts are free and open to the public.
Finally, mark your calendars—Monday is the first anniversary of Ray’s and Stark Bar, and to celebrate, chef Kris Morningstar and company are offering up a special menu, drink specials, live DJs, giveaways, and screen printing (bring your own T-shirt). The event is from 6 to 11 pm, RSVP at 323 877-6160.
Have a great weekend!
Jenny Miyasaki