Shana Nys Dambrot
This week we’re celebrating creatives who do things their own way—rebellious spirits and innovators, odds-defiers, champions of beauty, and soulful game-changers. A tribute to a renegade literary spirit, a new musical about the importance of being fabulous, poetic paintings for the whole wide world, films about iconic artists in the studio, a group show based on a fair based on solo shows, a curated weekend of artist-made films about memory and the future, a great American dance company comes to stay, and the butterflies arrive to herald Spring.
Courtesy of the Anais Nin Foundation
Thursday, March 14
Anais Nin: Celebrating a Renegade at Gallery33. In honor of International Women’s Month, The Anaïs Nin Foundation and Elizabeth Banks’ Brownstone Productions present a selection of rare archival pieces, alongside unique artworks by a group of emerging and established female artists inspired by Nin’s legacy. Featuring artifacts, personal memorabilia, and never-before-seen original works by American novelist Henry Miller, this captivating glimpse of Nin’s life and literary contributions (much of which took place in California) explores a pioneering voice in sensuality, identity, and freedom whose influence continues to inspire. The Georgian Hotel, 1415 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; Opening reception: Wednesday, March 13, 6-9pm; On view March 14-22; free; gallery33sm.com.
The Bourbon Room
Friday, March 15
DRAG: The Musical at the Bourbon Room. Gird your loins and immerse yourself in the show that puts the “T” in theatrics. Drag Superstar Alaska Thunderf*ck leads a star-studded cast including Broadwayʼs own Nick Adams, Jan Sport, and New Kids on the Block’s Joe McIntyre. Together they tell the tale of two rival drag clubs that must overcome their differences in order to survive. Enjoy a hilarious and heartfelt celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and the power of family. Evoking cult classics like Rocky Horror and La Cage aux Folles with a modern twist, DRAG: The Musical is a must-see Broadway-bound spectacle. 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Previews begin Friday, March 15; Opening Night: Friday, March 22, Performances through March 30; $55-$125; bourbonroomhollywood.com.
Carolyn Castaño at Walter Maciel Gallery
Saturday, March 16
Carolyn Castaño: Otros Seres at Walter Maciel Gallery. Stemming from 19th-century painted travelogs and maps used as visual tools during the colonization of the Americas, a series of 16 watercolors entitled This is Dedicated to the One I Love (Collection of Living and Deceased Glaciers) records the disappearance of Colombia’s tropical glaciers. Informed by the work of Colombian 19th-century artist Manuel Maria Paz who was part of the Comisión Corográfica that set out to catalog and record all the regions in the nation, they are part traditional landscape painting and part love letter (or elegy) to the ongoing loss of these majestic mountains due to the effects of climate chaos. 2642 S. La Cienega, Culver City; Opening reception: Saturday, March 16, 5-8pm; On view through May 4; free; waltermacielgallery.com.
The Artist Profile Archive: Njideka Akunyili Crosby + Robert Longo at The Broad
The Artist Profile Archive at The Broad. The Broad presents the world premiere of The Artist Profile Archive’s newest film on painter Njideka Akunyili Crosby discussing her background and creative practice. Also screening is TAPA’s short film on artist Robert Longo, who shares details about his artistic process from his New York City studio. The screenings will be followed by a brief conversation with Sophie Chahinian, Director of The Artist Profile Archive and The Broad’s Director of Audience Engagement, Edward Patuto. Crosby’s painting, The Beautyful Ones” Series #11 and Longo’s Untitled (Men in the Cities: Ellen) are currently on view in the galleries. 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown; Saturday, March 16, 2-3pm; free w/ rsvp; thebroad.org.
Spring Break at Steve Turner LA: Jessica Wee, Déjeuner sur l’herbe, 2023. Oil on linen, 30 x 30 in
Spring Break at Steve Turner. A new group exhibition is curated by Ambre Kelly and Andrew Gori, the founders and directors of SPRING/BREAK Art Show—whose recent LA edition was its finest yet, clearly inspiring them to extend their stay. According to Kelly and Gori their initiative is, “An art fair. But like a temporary museum. But like a community project. But like an art fair.” Since its inception the fair has successfully introduced artists who gained greater notoriety—and this innovative past and present look into their world promises more of the exciting energy. 6830 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Opening reception: Saturday, March 16, 5-7pm; On view through April 13; free; steveturner.la.
Zeynep Abes: Memory Place, 2020 (Courtesy the artist & LACE)
LACE presents A Fossil, A Ruin, A Memory at the Philosophical Research Society. Curated by Carrie Chen, LACE 2024 Emerging Curator, the exhibition features contemporary emerging artists from a diverse range of disciplines, including experimental film-making, 3D animation, games and performance. These artists consider the language of memory, navigate transnational spaces, confront displacement and yearning, and excavate personal and collective memories. The two-day screening program encourages meaningful dialogue and communal exploration around the themes of memory and excavation in our digital era. The essence of these moving images, and the evolving culture they belong to, remains an ongoing exploration in art history, film and theory. 3910 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Feliz; Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17, 2-5pm; free; welcometolace.org.
NHM Butterfly Pavilion
Sunday, March 17
Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum. Wonder takes flight at the NHM’s beloved Springtime tradition. Walk among beautiful butterflies in the fanciful seasonal pavilion—temporary home to hundreds of butterflies, colorful native plants, and plenty of natural light to help you see these creatures shimmer (and take some epic photographs). With lots of flight space and a variety of resting spots, come get one of the best views up close in Los Angeles of these amazing, magical insects. 900 Exposition Blvd., Expo Park; On view March 17 – August 25; regular admission (which is sometimes free), plus $8 for timed entry tickets; nhm.org.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (Photo: Dario Calmese)
Wednesday, March 20
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. A revolutionary company that transcends barriers and celebrates the African American cultural experience, for 65 years, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has showcased the work of diverse choreographers, amplifying myriad voices alongside Ailey’s own. Returning to The Music Center to launch a multi-year residency, America’s most popular modern dance company will expand on its choreographic tradition, adding new choreographers to the company’s repertory with world premieres and beloved classics that illustrate the breadth of Ailey’s rich catalog, including Ailey’s signature work Revelations. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Performances March 20-24; $41-$152; musiccenter.org.
Spring Break at Steve Turner LA: Mike Chattem: Motorcycle Dog, 2024. Acrylic on fiberglass resin, extruded polystyrene and panel, 57 x 87 x 5.5 in
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