When Italian critic Germano Celant published his book Arte Povera, a term he coined to describe “poor art” made of ravaged materials, L.A. artist Paul McCarthy couldn't afford the book. So he and a friend decided to buy it together, cut it in half and eventually exchange halves. A cut-up book by artist Maya Lin is in “Neo Povera,” the exhibition Harmony Murphy curated at L&M Gallery in Venice. There is also a bag of cellophane by artist Karla Black, big enough to hold six or seven people and hanging whimsically from the ceiling, and a carefully shaped pile of concrete made by Liz Glynn sloping out from the wall. The show's take on “arte povera” is tasteful and spare — a poor man's minimalism. 660 Venice Blvd.; through Oct. 27. (310) 821-6400, lmgallery.com.

Tuesdays-Saturdays. Starts: May 23. Continues through July 6, 2013

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