This week: celebrate designer Paul Fortune’s new book; see CalEarth’s work in Africa alongside Iranian photography; experience the world of high-concept fragrances; make a bird’s eye study of Southern California; experience the altars and art of Día de los Muertos, and dozens of other free downtown art events.
1) Paul Fortune: Notes on Decor, Etc. Book Signing
With his credo of “Tread lightly, leave a small footprint, make it beautiful,” Paul Fortune has created sophisticated yet comfortable interiors for clients including Marc Jacobs, Sofia Coppola, and David Fincher. In his new book “Paul Fortune: Notes on Decor, Etc.” (Rizzoli, 2018), the designer details significant projects and stories from his peregrinations through the beau monde. Join Mayer Rus, West Coast Editor of Architectural Digest, at the Blackman Cruz showroom for a book signing with the celebrated designer. Learn more about Paul Fortune Design here.
When: Thursday, Nov 1, 6 – 9 pm
Where: Blackman Cruz, 836 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Tickets: Free. Email RSVP@blackmancruz.com to register.
2) Art Beyond the Canvas: Eco Domes on Show/Time Lapse
In 1991 Iranian-born architect Nader Khalili founded CalEarth in Hesperia, as a center for testing and teaching a process of building with coiled, sand-filled bags that he called SuperAdobe, influenced by ancient Persian structures. He died in 2008 but the SuperAdobe approach continues. This Friday the pop-up CAMA Gallery of Iranian art will display a virtual reality tour of the Langbos Children’s Shelter in South Africa, built by the charities Eco Domes Africa and Intsikelelo. This takes place against Time Lapse, an exhibition of photographic works by Iranian film directors Jafar Panahi, Abbas Kiarostami, Nasser Taghvai, Kamran Shirdel, Majid Barzegar, Seifollah Samadian, Hamid Jebeli as well as Iranian actor and activist Reza Kalanian. Both shows are a first outing in LA for CAMA Gallery, which presents modern and contemporary Iranian art at permanent spaces in Iran and London.
When: Opening night reception Friday, Nov 2, 8 – 11:30 pm. Exhibition runs through Nov 14.
Where: The Container Yard, 800 East 4th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90013
Tickets: Free. RSVP on the Facebook page here.
3) 2nd Biennial Scent Fair
Designer who believe in the importance of creating environments that appeal to all the senses may want to attend the 2nd Biennial Scent Fair. Presented in collaboration with the Institute of Art and Olfaction, this fair aims to introduce audiences to the world of highly conceptual scents. Sample a curated selection of cutting-edge fragrance makers, participate in hands-on workshops and a keynote conversation with Mandy Aftel, and attend a great smelling opening night party! Science tells us that of all the senses, scent has the strongest neural connectors to memories and emotions. Learn how to distinguish olfactory notes, blend fragrances and recognize how different aromas make you feel.
When: Preview Party Friday, Nov 2, 7 – 9 pm. Fair runs through Sunday, Nov 4
Where: Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 909036. All-day parking is available for $5 with validation at 5750 Courtyard Place, 90036
Tickets: Free with museum entry (general admission $9). Preview party $20, tickets here. Pre-register for workshops here (required to attend). More information about the event here.
4) Over L.A.: Aerial Accounts
The counterpart to last fall’s “Under L.A.: Subterranean Stories” symposium, “Over L.A.: Aerial Accounts” explores the important role this upper dimension plays in defining Southern California – its past, present and future. The day-long conference will explore how sunlight, air quality, bio-diversity, zoning laws, helicopters and drones all inform the architecture and imagery of the city. Panelists include Christopher Hawthorne (Chief Design Officer for the city of Los Angeles), Julia Meltzer (Clockshop), Brian Brown (NHM), Geoff Manaugh (BLDBLOG), Seleta Reynolds (LADOT), Su Jin Lee (USC Spatial Sciences Institute) and more.
When: Saturday, Nov 3, 9 – 4 pm
Where: Doheny Memorial Library, Rm 240, 3550 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089
Tickets: Free. Registration required and lunch provided. You can us the code OVERLA to RSVP here. More about the event, here.
5) Grand Avenue All Access Pass: Grand Park Día de los Muertos
Grand Park celebrates the traditions of Día de los Muertos with multiple ways to experience and learn about the holiday. In partnership with Self-Help Graphics & Art and Lore Media & Art, the park is displaying 50 altars and art installations created by local artists and community groups that reflect the theme “Looking to the Past to Build the Future,” with an exploration of the four elements and role of nature in our lives. Free guided lunchtime tours throughout the week will highlight the artwork and discuss the traditions of the holiday.
Grand Park’s Día de los Muertos celebration coincides with Grand Avenue Arts: All Access, a full day Saturday of free arts and cultural activities at more than 10 cultural institutions along Grand Avenue.
Listen to DnA’s report on Day of the Dead, design prizes and whether it has become too commercial, airing Tuesday, October 30 at 2 pm.
When: Lunchtime tours all week, plus additional events Saturday, Nov 3, 11 am – 5 pm, with guided tours 12, 2 and 4 pm. See full list of Saturday activities here.
Where: Grand Park, 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Tours meet at the Grand Park stairs on Grand Avenue between Temple and 1st Street.
Tickets: Free. Learn more here.