Michael Crichton, author of Jurassic Park, also wrote about the artist Jasper Johns. He recalls driving the artist to some destination in New York. Neither knew exactly how to get there. “I'll know it when I see it,” Johns said, staying calm while Crichton became agitated. They crossed the Washington Bridge and Johns said, “Turn right here, and we'll figure out the rest later.” They did. Johns, now 82, has a new show of paintings, sculptures and prints at Matthew Marks' two new L.A. galleries — the paintings and sculptures are in the North Orange Grove Street space, and the prints are in the Santa Monica space you get to through the alley. The prints, like Shrinky Dink 4, with a line of caricatured sea creatures at the bottom, convince you Johns is still headed somewhere worth going. 1062 N. Orange Grove Ave.; through Jan. 5. (323) 654-1830, matthewmarks.com.

Tuesdays-Saturdays. Starts: Nov. 2. Continues through Jan. 5, 2012

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.