'Banksy: Genius or Vandal' Explores the Work of the Reclusive Artist

 

The boys -- and in particular, Nathan -- have been intrigued with the idea of mysterious street artist Banksy since we first visited Park City (where some of Bansky's work can still be found). And then, of course, they loved the mischievous act of destroying a copy of "Girl with Balloon" via remote-control shredder at a Sotheby's auction. So when I saw this touring exhibit would be in L.A., I decided to splurge and see what it was all about. Here's how the exhibit is described: "Banksy: Genius or Vandal is a one-of-a-kind exhibition in Los Angeles. Jump into the world of the celebrated master of the streets with over 80 genuine and certified artworks from private collections, and view street art like never before. It is brought to you by the organizers of a collection of widely successful exhibitions present in cities across Europe, Asia and the Americas." For what it's worth, I do feel I learned a lot more about Banksy, and in particular his political activism. And the kids now are even more intrigued by Banksy's dystopian take on a theme park, Dismaland. Below, more pics from our visit:

King Tut at the California Science Center: Last Chance to See the Famed Pharoah's Treasures

Time is running out to see "KING TUT: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh," which ends its run at the California Science Center in January. It's easy to take the existence of King Tutankhamun, as we've heard about him all our lives — a mostly forgotten Pharaoh until the discovery of his tomb in the 1920s made him the most remembered Egyptian ruler who ever lived. As the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb approaches, Egypt has said this is the last time King Tut's treasures will tour outside of their home.

According to the California Science Center, this is the largest King Tut exhibition ever toured. Included in the exhibit are more than 150 authentic artifacts from King Tut’s celebrated tomb. Here's how the center is promoting it:

In a dramatic new presentation, dazzling multimedia complements rare artifacts to take guests on an immersive journey of the pharaoh’s quest for immortality. Examine exquisite rings found on King Tut’s fingers, opulent jewelry that adorned his body, and the gold sandals placed on his feet upon burial. Discover how the scientific analysis of King Tut’s 3,300-year-old mummy has revealed new information about his health and lineage, and how cutting-edge technologies have played a role in discovering new tombs and analyzing existing ones in ways never before imagined. The breadth of this collection, with three times as many artifacts than ever exhibited previously, is also unprecedented in that it focuses exclusively on King Tut’s tomb. All of the artifacts on display (except for the one 10’ temple statue) come from Tut’s tomb, the most intact royal tomb ever to be discovered.

The exhibition is also distinct in its narrative experience. The top floor galleries immerse guests in the story of King Tut’s journey through the underworld to the afterlife, and guests learn the role of these burial objects in the pharaoh’s quest for immortality. The final chapter on the first floor presents the story of Howard Carter’s sensational discovery and what subsequent scientific analysis has revealed about King Tut’s life.

Tickets for the King Tut exhibit are:

Adult (age 18-64): $29.95; $23.95 (member)
Child (age 4-12, 3 and under free): $19.50; $17.95 (member)
Students (age 13-17 College Students with ID): $26.95; $17.95 (member)
Senior (age 65+): $26.95; $23.95 (member)

Ticket price also allows for admission to see the Space Shuttle Endeavor. We visited earlier this month, and it definitely made an impression on the kids. I wanted to check it out because who knows when we'd ever get to Egypt, and I had remembered hearing about King Tut mania when Tut's treasures last toured the U.S. in the 1970s (spurring, of course, Steve Martin's famous "King Tut" song). The California Science Center itself is free, so consider this the price of admission.

Some photos from the exhibit during our visit:

Broad Museum: A Visit to See the Jasper Johns Exhibit and New Infinity Mirror Room

There are always plenty of reasons to visit downtown's Broad museum — I'd put that Michael Jackson/Bubbles sculpture toward the top. But right now, there are two new reasons: The Broad is the official U.S. venue of the Jasper Johns exhibit 'something resembling truth,' while the museum also just launched its second infinity room, Yayoi Kusama’s "Longing for Eternity." According to the Broad, "Jasper Johns: ‘Something Resembling Truth’" features more than 120 paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings from Johns. "Featuring signature works from the Broad collection with loans from more than 50 international public and private collections, The Broad's presentation marks the first comprehensive survey of Jasper Johns in Southern California in more than 50 years. A collaboration with the Royal Academy in London, Jasper Johns: 'Something Resembling Truth' traces the evolution of the artist’s six-decade career through a series of thematic chapters, encompassing the full range of Johns’ materials, motifs and techniques." The Jasper Johns exhibit normally costs extra, but the Broad will offer free admission on "First Thursdays" April 5 and May 3 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

"Longing for Eternity," like Kusama's other infinity mirror room, is so popular that a staggered ticket time is required for the audience. This time, instead of walking completely into a room, this is a large box with porthole-like windows that are used to look into a mirrored chamber filled with dazzling LED lights.

Inside Kusama's other Broad infinity mirror room, "Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away" (2013)

Escalators up through a Gaudi-like ceiling,

More from "Longing for Eternity."

Jasper Johns exhibit.

"The Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter" (Jasper Johns, 1987)

"Michael Jackson and Bubbles" (Jeff Koons, 1988)

"Under the Table" (Robert Therrien, 1994)

"Raymond and Toby" (John Ahearn, 1989)

"Tulips" (Jeff Koons, 1995-2004)

Andy Warhol pieces

"Norm's, La Cienega, on Fire" (Ed Ruscha, 1964)

"John" (Chuck Close, 1971-72)

General admission to The Broad is free and includes access to The Broad's collection galleries on the third floor, which display a robust and changing selection of works.