Notice the subtle paradigm shift from New York being the center of the cultural universe. These days, L.A. is the place to be, not just for the weather but also most notably for food (Mario Battali cooks here) and art (Jeffrey Deitch curates here). No better timing then for Rhino Films to release the documentary Robert Williams: Mr. Bitchin’, the story of a man and his art, who was instrumental in lending L.A. some of its current street cred. A documentary 15 years in the making, Mr. Bitchin’ premieres via an exclusive screening at LACMA, benefiting its Prints and Drawings Council. The film features never-before-seen interviews with SoCal luminaries Ed Roth, Don Ed Hardy and Walter Hopps, as well as Frank Kozik and Mark Ryden. A Q&A with Williams and critic Mat Gleason follows. “I have a feeling that art is really on the verge of a big change,” Williams predicted in a recent interview. “Even the stuffiest people are gonna have to come around. It’s just going to be flipped out.” The squares who miss this will have to wait until fall for the film’s theatrical release.

Wed., June 16, 7 p.m., 2010

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