Everything Surreal, Strange and Unusual in Los Angeles, CA
The Brewery ArtWalk in downtown Los Angeles is a twice annual event where the artists and revolutionaries inhabiting the largest art complex in the world graciously open their doors for us regular folk to gawk at their emotionally transparent wares (and hopefully help pay their rent). The Fall artwalk ends today, October 2, at 6pm, but if you want a taste of the strangest, weirdest and most out-there offerings, Surreal L.A. is here for you:
There is always something profoundly weird and entertaining to do in HelLA, but only on SurrealLA.com can you find events that get our surreal seal of approval:
Meet Culver City resident Ryan. This year was his first burn. If you don’t know what that means, you’ve probably never taken the trek to Black Rock City in the desolate desert nowhere to party with strangers covered in playa dust for seven days of complete isolation from the everyday grind. Here’s his story:
“Art is Not a Crime.” The words L.A. Artist SABER etched into the sky over downtown Los Angeles yesterday in his campaign against City Hall’s moronic moratorium on murals.
After all, if you can’t paint the alleyways, bridges and streets, the only place left is the sky.
Painting of a Chase branch on fire: $25,000 on eBay.
Being investigated for your paintings by the LAPD, twice: Fucking Priceless.
Surreal L.A. would like to give it up for Alex Schaefer, this month’s anarchic artist.
This painting, part of Schaefer's "Disaster Capitalism" series, went for $25,000 on eBay. Something tells me that Scheafer won't be making that deposit at Chase.
If you are throwing or know of an event that is surreal, strange or unusual, please let us know by emailing us at stories@surrealla.com
Here are the certifiably surreal events that made this week’s cut:
(And don’t miss Artwalk Downtown TONIGHT! )
“O, Rose Thou Art SICK!” But not as sick as Marilyn Manson. The goth rocker will be reading the works of Romantic poet William Blake during the “Dark Blushing” poetry reading at the Getty this Saturday evening.
When: Saturday, September 10
Where: The Getty
Time: Reading begins at 7:30 p.m. Free parking after 5 p.m. Although reservations are currently full, the Getty will be passing out standby tickets starting at 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Los Angeles likes big butts and we cannot deny that Boretta Da General‘s midnight bootylicious photo shoot was the of the most bizarre things we’ve seen all week, proving once again that when it comes to “surreality,” L.A. always delivers.
Hola Angelinos…here are your handpicked, certified surreal, Los Angeles area events for the week of September 1, 2011 – September 8, 2011.
Cinespia presents “Edward Scissorhands”Tim Burton’s surreal goth fantasy set in an otherworldly suburban nightmare stars Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder. Memorable appearances by an eclectic supporting cast including: Anthony Michael Hall, Dianne Wiest and horror king Vincent Price.
When: Saturday, September 3
Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Hollywood)
Time: Gates 7:00 pm / Movie 8:30 pm
Cost: $10 Donation
Hold Up Art presents “Art From a Galaxy Far, Far Away”Polish up those light sabers for a battle of the best “Star Wars” inspired art from Ricky Martinez and Denise Vasquez.
When: Friday, September 2 & Saturday, September 3
Where: Hold Up Art Gallery (Downtown / Little Tokyo)
Time: Opens at 11 am
Cost: FREE!
Upright Citizen’s Brigade presents “Celebrity Funeral: Nicolas Cage”No, Nic Cage didn’t crash a motorcycle or pop one too many blood vessels whilst chewing scenery. But…what if…? Lots of funny people pay homage to the star of kitchy classics like “Valley Girl” and “Vampire’s Kiss” (you know, the one where he ate a cockroach).
When: Friday, September 2
Where: Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater (Los Angeles / Hollywood)
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $10
Skirball Cultural Center presents “Houdini: Art and Magic”A magical exhibition showcasing over 150 artifacts, images (some from Houdini’s personal collection), Art Nouveau–era posters, playbills, theater ephemera, memorabilia and archival and silent-film footage that tell his story. Observe Houdini’s tools of the trade: his straitjacket, a milk can, and the Metamorphosis trunk he used as part of his miraculous escape tricks. A re-creation of his famous water torture cell is also on hand.
When: Friday, September 2 through Sunday, September 4
Where: Skirball Cultural Center
Time:
Cost:
Nucleus presents “Zombie in Love” ReceptionDon your best prom gear, then get it bloody. It’s time to feast on BRAIIIINZZZZ! Nucleus is having a zombie prom-themed party to celebrate the work of Scott Campbell, illustrator of Zombie in Love, a book by best-selling author Kelly DiPucchio. Campbell will be on hand to sign autographs and greet fans. Refreshments and prizes will be given to those that dress up.
When: Saturday, September 3
Where: Gallery Nucleus (Alhambra)
Time: 7 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE!
La Luz de Jesus presents “Encyclopaedia of Hell” BooksigningA tour de force of darkness, Encyclopaedia of Hell is a manual of Earth written by Lord Satan for his invading hordes of demons, complete with hundreds of unpleasant illustrations, diagrams, and a comprehensive and utterly repulsive dictionary of Earth terms. Get your very own copy and have it signed by witty wordsmith Martin Olson, a two-time Emmy nominee.
When: Saturday, September 3
Where: La Luz de Jesus Gallery (Hollywood)
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: FREE!
When artist and activist Cain Motter looks at a credit card, he doesn’t see a shopping spree on Melrose or a lost weekend in Vegas. He sees the face of a demon.
Join Shanon, Valley Girl & A.W.O.L. as they discuss the Raelian Movement, National Go Topless Day, Venice Beach craziness and anarchistic artists. Just another day in Surreal L.A. …
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Are you afraid of things that go bump in the night? The team at Paranormal EXP LIVES for that sh*t and has the EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) to prove it! Settle in for some spooky stories and sounds from some of L.A.’s most haunted places…Happy Halloween ghosts and ghouls!
Don’t miss this boiling pot of hot political debate and bonus words of wisdom from Smiley and West’s Poverty Tour. Shanon & Valley Girl spend a day at Occupy LA where they run into members of Anonymous and ask the million dollar question: “What can the 99% do to take back the wealth and power… [Continue Reading]
Venture down the rabbit hole with Shanon, Valley Girl and special guests Mr. Now the brooding blogger and Matty “B” Heintz from Los Angeles-based blues band, The Downtown Train. Injected with a jolt of testosterone not commonly found in most Surreal L.A. podcasts, the conversation meanders around subjects like seedy Hollywood strip clubs, tranny hookers… [Continue Reading]
Shanon & Valley Girl join the unemployed masses and seek solace on Hollywood Boulevard, aka the “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” where they meet homeless and pregnant teen, Venice, talk to Green Lantern and other costumed folk, and learn important lessons from the movie “Friday.” Keep it surreal, L.A.!
Surreal L.A.
