Michele StuevenThe David Zwirner Gallery will present an exhibition of new drawings and prints by famed illustrator and cartoonist R. Crumb from Friday, Oct. 10, through Saturday, Dec. 20. In his works of the last several years, Crumb reflects on life in his eighties and his sixty-year career as well as themes of personal and mass paranoia during these times of social and political unrest.
The new works in this exhibition represent Crumb’s first extensive solo comic work in more than two decades, marking a late-career resurgence. Many of the introspective and formally adventurous illustrations were made for the artist’s upcoming publication, Tales of Paranoia. The new comic book, Crumb’s first in twenty-three years, will be published in November by Fantagraphics.
Created in the wake of the 2022 passing of Crumb’s wife and longtime artistic partner, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, the works reveal a mind turning inward without its usual counterpoint. Absent her grounding presence, the work veers further into obsessive, unfiltered reflection. As Crumb noted in 2019, “Success and the love of real women helped me a lot. Aline really saved my dismal ass.”
Crumb and his wife had frequently collaborated, particularly in the decade preceding her death, and her absence is felt directly in the content of his recent works. This is Crumb’s first exhibition in Los Angeles in over fifteen years, since The Book of Genesis Illustrated, which debuted at the Hammer Museum in 2009 and featured the original drawings for his acclaimed and best-selling graphic version of the first book of the Old Testament.
Page from R. Crumb, What is Paranoia?, 2025. Copyright Robert Crumb, 2025 (Courtesy of the artist, Paul Morris and David Zwirner)
And for something completely different on the other side of the anxiety spectrum, head over to CAMP at the Westfield Century City Mall and enter Gabby’s Dollhouse, starting on Friday, Sept. 26, for an immersive experience as you play your way through the dollhouse. Meet Gabby herself for photos, and each ticket purchase includes getting tiny in Gabby’s bedroom, baking in Cakey’s Kitchen, exploring the Magic Fairy Garden, a spa science experiment, and a dance party. More info and tickets HERE.
The Ebell of Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring women and building community through arts, culture, and education, marks Hispanic Heritage Month with a lineup of programs that honor the traditions, stories, and artistic excellence of Los Angeles’ Hispanic and Latino communities. featuring salsa classes, cultural field trips, speakers, and rising stars in the opera world.
Public Events include:
Saturdays: Sept. 27, Oct. 4, and Oct.11
$45 for the full course; must be booked in advance
Step onto the dance floor and into the world of salsa with instructor Francisco Martinez! Rooted in Afro-Caribbean rhythms and born of cultural fusion across Cuba, Puerto Rico, and New York, salsa has become one of the world’s most beloved social dances and a joyful expression of community. This three-class series is perfect for beginners.
Monday, Sept. 29 at 11:30
$60 (includes lunch); $45 for members of The Ebell of LA
Over lunch prepared by The Ebell’s culinary team, State Senator Susan Rubio, representing California’s 22nd district, will share the story of her journey from public school teacher to state legislator. As the first Latina Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee and advocate for vulnerable communities, Rubio will discuss her path into public service and the issues that drive her work today—from her internationally recognized domestic violence legislation to her passionate fight against human trafficking.
Saturday, Oct. 4, $40
The team at Vinovore, a woman-owned and operated shop dedicated exclusively to wines crafted by women winemakers, will host a private guided tasting for guests of The Ebell. Attendees will explore regional terroirs and tasting notes and hear the inspiring stories behind each bottle, spotlighting trailblazing Latina winemakers. There will be a 10% discount on all Vinovore products during the event.
Monday, Oct. 13, free.
Cantadoras y Compositoras will bring together rising stars of the operatic world, including Soprano Maria Brea and Mezzo-Soprano Jessica González-Rodriguez, joined by pianist Mercedes Juan Musotto. The program honors Latina composers, like Carla Lucero, Mariel Mayz, Maria Grever, and others.
Courtesy The Ebell of Los Angeles