Under the Big Black Sun: California Art 1974-1981, the MOCA retrospective on underground experimental artists of the Los Angeles area in the 70s and 80s, went out with a big BANG. I was kindly invited to the closing party, and how could I not go?
The party took place at the MOCA Geffen, right out on the front patio, and the lineup showcased three of Los Angeles' most influential punk bands playing for a packed crowd of devout fans. The Avengers! The Dead Kennedys (minus Jello)! X! The bands, all still full of energy and impassioned to perform again for this memorable occasion, played songs that the crowd proudly sang along to while pumping those oh-so-tattooed arms. All of the bands were amazing, and the show culminated in a tremendous performance by X, who played greats like "Breathless," "Blue Spark," and, of course, "Los Angeles," a really great representation of the strange melting pot we call home.
It was great to also see the eclectic artworks that people like Chris Burden, Vija Celmins, and Betye Saare, among others, have churned out over time. The city is an undeniable and underrated axis in the art world, and the exhibition cemented it as a historical playground for the artistically inclined. Here's a little taste of the work and the event, with a frenzy of the bands and some rebellious fans!![]()
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The side you don't ever see
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Here's where the story starts
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Thousands of nickels and broken matches... my head hurts
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Gary Baseman supports punk! So good
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Do you see the common threads?
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The young and the restless
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Some snaps from the performances below
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The party took place at the MOCA Geffen, right out on the front patio, and the lineup showcased three of Los Angeles' most influential punk bands playing for a packed crowd of devout fans. The Avengers! The Dead Kennedys (minus Jello)! X! The bands, all still full of energy and impassioned to perform again for this memorable occasion, played songs that the crowd proudly sang along to while pumping those oh-so-tattooed arms. All of the bands were amazing, and the show culminated in a tremendous performance by X, who played greats like "Breathless," "Blue Spark," and, of course, "Los Angeles," a really great representation of the strange melting pot we call home.
It was great to also see the eclectic artworks that people like Chris Burden, Vija Celmins, and Betye Saare, among others, have churned out over time. The city is an undeniable and underrated axis in the art world, and the exhibition cemented it as a historical playground for the artistically inclined. Here's a little taste of the work and the event, with a frenzy of the bands and some rebellious fans!
The side you don't ever see
Here's where the story starts
Thousands of nickels and broken matches... my head hurts
Gary Baseman supports punk! So good
Do you see the common threads?
The young and the restless
Some snaps from the performances below
