Art in The Streets at MoCA

The amazing thing about MoCA's current exhibition at The Geffen Contemporary, is the enthusiasm and energy you feel in the Museum. You get a hint of this approaching the Geffen from 1st Street when you are struck by this colorful 3 story mural on the side of the building. You start to feel the buzz as you walk past the painted Metro Bus and the long line waiting to get in. Once in the door, it is total excitement, you are in a different world. The museum becomes the environment, art hanging on the walls, art painted on the walls, skateboarding ramps, painted cars, and theme park like installations serving as a backdrop to help re-inforce the message. The message that this art  "emerged from American housing projects, subway yards, and bleak suburban parking lots during the 1970's".
It started as simple tagging, I remember seeing the tags on the 'A Line' in NYC (one that always comes to mind "Cha Cha 161"), and progressed to amazing murals covering entire subway cars and multiple cars. Standing on a subway platform in the morning, many of us couldn't wait to see the nights work of the graffiti artists, and we were never disappointed. They became household names (at least in NYC) especially after New York Magazine did a cover story on several.
Here are some images I took over several visits. All images Leica M8.

I can't resist mirrors.

This shot could be on the street.

Low-rider in front of Los Angeles Wall.

Whether with cellphone, iPad or regular camera, the patrons are actively recording the exhibits.

Crash, is one of my favorites.

Capturing Banksy. More cellphones and cameras are active here than any other area.

Cars by Haring and Scharf.

Had to get another self portrait in.

As always, all images are copyrighted. 

Malibu Castle Park, Redondo Beach

Although Malibu Castle Park, miniature golf park & arcade, has been closed for over 10 years it is still listed by Golf Link and Yelp as an active business. What gives with that? Passing by last night I was reminded that it was still there. So I stopped by this morning and took the following shots.
The castle is gone, but the 4+ story windmill still stands. The site has been trashed, and tagging and street art cover the walls. The area is heavily overgrown and resembles ruins in the Yucatan more than an abandoned-mini theme park.

The only other structure remaining, an adobe belfry.

Someone has even pitched a tent in the center (note the blue tent), and is living in his own private resort.

Something can be said for the quality of the putting green carpets - they still hold up!

At least the local street artists make good use of the abandoned buildings.

The old sign proclaiming the hopes of the future!

As always all images are copyrighted and my not be used without permission.

Life Support Japan

Life Support Japan is an effort by photographers and galleries around the world to raise money to support those affected by the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11th, 2011.  Money raised from these joint efforts will be donated to Direct Relief International (www.directrelief.org) and Habitat for Humanity Japan (www.habitatjp.org). 


Currently there are two efforts that I am involved in:


1. Wall Space Gallery in Santa Barbara, CA and Seattle, WA is handling the online auction  at www.wall-spacegallery.com (http://wall-spacegallery.com/displayShow.php?showID=124). This address will change because participation far exceeded the original anticipated response. Each photographer commits to contributing an special edition of 10 of an image. These will be sold for $50 each. 

This is my contribution, it is not listed yet but should be in a few days.

'Palm + 4' 2011, 6x6 image printed on 8.5x11 (ed.1-10)

http://wall-spacegallery.com/displayShow.php?showID=124

There are a lot of wonderful images, a great way to buy art and make a difference at the same time.

2. In addition Jennifer Schwartz Gallery (http://www.jenniferschwartzgallery.com) in Atlanta, GA will be holding a silent auction on March 19th during the Westside Arts District monthly Third Saturday Art Stroll.  Photographers have donated pieces from their bodies of work for the silent auction.  The auction will take place from 11am-5pm and winners will be announced at 6pm on March 19th.  Bids will be taken at the gallery and also by absentee bidding. I will post more information when it is available.

This is my contribution to this event. 

'Rat Beach Skaters' 2010, 12x12 image printed on 17x22, artist proof

http://www.jenniferschwartzgallery.com/index.php?option=com_zoo&task=item&item_id=498&Itemid=11

http://wall-spacegallery.com/displayShow.php?showID=124

Mercedes Benz E350: As Seen Through The Lens of Hipstamatic

So there I was sitting in a parking lot, waiting while Eve runs a few quick errands. With little else to do, and since I cannot bear idle time, I decide to shoot a few images of my car. Shot with an iP4and the Hipstamatic app.
Hope you not getting bored with the Hipstamatic, I'm not and there are plenty of images to follow.

With Armin van Buuren on the radio, I had a good time. As always all images are copyright Peter Politanoff, and all restrictions apply.