I never in my wildest imaginings would have thought Los Angeles to become a mecca for art. But the combination of a rich cultural stew, the burgeoning arts life of downtown L.A., an explosion of galleries (of which Culver City was at the forefront), the opening of The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art next year, LACMA beginning its renovation (and all the controversy that’s coming with it), and — mostly — a gentrification which is bringing in Midas-loads of money, the City of Angels is now, alongside music, an embarrassment of riches. To understand just how exciting and exhaustive our resources are, you must get to the L.A. Art Show, which opened last night with a spectacular gala benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This must-see artstravaganza runs through this Sunday, February 9, in the Convention Center’s South Hall.

First know that almost every item in this global collection is for sale. Personally I was torn between a  limited-edition print of Jeff Gillette’s Cinderella Carriage Crash for $100 and Norman Rockwell’s original oil, Delivering Two Busts for $4.2 million (a fair deal considering it graced the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in 1931).

is a contemporary American artist based in Southern California. He is best known for his subversive ‘slumscape’ paintings ironically featuring Disney characters. He is often cited as the inspiration for Banksy’s 2015 Dismaland theme park installation, in which he was a featured artist.

This isn’t to say that all the exhibitors are on the cutting edge of the global artworld. It’s amazing how much is derivative these days, as artists are stuck between being original and creating what might make some bucks (it ain’t that different in most art disciplines today, especially the theater and so-called new music). You’ll see some knockoffs of many great artists — from Cassatt paintings to Warhol sculptures to Mark Ryden’s surrealism to London street artist Banksy’s subversive stenciling. There’s also an alarming array of large dolly eye art that grew out of anime (and for my own taste should have stayed on film; even Disney plush animals have this large-eye syndrome now — its popularity bemuses me).

These are just the tip of the artberg folks. Give yourself plenty of time to stroll, think, and be grateful you live in such an extraordinary city. Although appearing at the top of the year, The LA Art Show promises to be a highlight.

L.A. Art Show 2020
Los Angeles Convention Center South Hall
1201 South Figueroa Street
Thurs, Fri & Sat, Feb. 6-8, 2020 11am to 7pm
Sun, Feb. 9, 2020 | 11am to 5pm
for tickets ($30 – $250), visit See Tix
for more info, visit LA Art Show