Robin Z.
Yelp
Hey Sunshine, better not wear your "Look at me, I'm such a rebel" Che T-shirt here for awhile.
At least not until they remove the anti-Castro art filling up one wing of this beautiful modern museum. Some of this artwork was quite moving and it was a pleasure for me to get to see this contra (pardon the pun) perspective when liberal art has been so popular for so many years. Many of these pieces were large and grim, depicting los balseros (rafters) tempting fate to get to America from a totalitarian Cuba, or a triptych of a determined boxer who just punched Castro's light's out as he clutches a bloodied knife, among many others. I doubt we'll ever see this exhibit here in LA but the Warhol Mao multi-head was a colorful, if anachronistic, contradiction (there I go again) to the anti-Castro art.
Another wing contained a set of extremely gaudy furniture and accessories once owned by some cougar named Dorothy Draper in this tres expensive 'hood. It was so gaudy, I almost threw up walking through it and I couldn't imagine a mansion filled with this crap but they say she was "America's Fabulous Decorator" (ugh). Apparently, she ruled the roost around these parts so maybe I better show some respect.......bah!
The best part, for me, was the early American concept cars on display, some of the autos right out of the Jetson's. High performance engines powering sleek, streamlined vehicles with hideaway headlights, rain sensors, automatic windows and doors...I was amazed that they had this technology that long ago. I fell in love with the red 1941 Chrysler Newport LeBaron, but no, they wouldn't let me take it out for a spin. I even tried lying, saying I was a Republican**, still no deal.
If you can get over the size of the mansions with their mega-yachts docked pier-side along Los Olas Blvd. and have a little time before boarding your crystal ship to more mundane places, this museum is worth a visit. And bring your bling but leave your Che shirt in the hotel.
*clandestine pictures up...I'm such a rebel.
**I'm not a Democrat either
6/1/08 update: Went to the Museum of Latin American Art and guess what? They showed this exhibit 12 Nov 06-4 Mar 07. I am human.