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Los Angeles is definitely not at a loss for fantastic art galleries and amazing exhibitions to check out, especially in the summer. In fact, the difficulty is in deciding which ones to go to, especially for those of us that can only afford the time for one a week (or less). Well, summer isn’t over and we are here to tell you where to go so that you don’t have to think about it. Simply sit back, enjoy some art, and feel some things.

Summer Juried Exhibition: Disaster is My Muse

Photo Credit: “Atomic Overlook” by Clay Lipsky

Venice Arts Gallery celebrated its latest exhibition recently at the opening reception of Disaster is My Muse, which will be open to view everyday until September 19. The Summer Juried Exhibition is an annual themed show that invites artists around the globe to submit interpretations of the theme. This year, the exhibition, named after a quote from cartoonist Art Spiegelman in his graphic novel Maus, features 25 diverse artists and explores how catastrophes can creep in and intervene with everyday life, threatening our sense of stability. From humorous pieces to heart-felt, tragic photographs, the artists portray different reactions in the midst of disaster.

Smiley has no nose, an exhibition by Tala Madani

Photo Credit: Tala Madani Installation View, courtesy of David Kordanksy Gallery

Tala Madani’s first solo exhibition Smiley has no nose is featured at the David Kordansky Gallery in Los Angeles until August 29. Her show has already been well-received since its opening on July 18. With a curious mind, Madani confronts one of the most universal symbols in history—the ever-present smiley face—and asks: why does smiley have no nose? Madani explores this question and opens up a bigger conversation about social patterns that are often left unquestioned. Using mostly balding, middle-aged men as the protagonists in her paintings, Madani uses humor as a means of social criticism.

Blue Moon 2015: R.K. Shuquem, Nora Keys

Photo Credit: “Air” by R.K. Shuquem

On July 31, multimedia artist R.K. Shuquem debuted a set 50 original pieces at LAST Projects Gallery in Hollywood. The name of the show is fitting considered it opened on the night of a blue moon, a rare occurrence that only appears every 2-3 years. Shuquem took on the challenge to create 50 6” by 6” art panels over a span of 50 days. Alongside Shuquem, pieces by LA artist Nora Keyes will be featured in between Shuquem’s work to serve as a psychedelic transition. From now until August 20, the public can view the artists’ work and dive into their exploration of the psychological and spiritual effects from jail cells.

Tourist Seizin’ by Luke Pelletier

Photo Credit: Luke Pelletier, courtesy of Art Slant

On August 8, New Image Art Gallery will be welcomed Luke Pelletier’s first solo LA exhibition Tourist Seizin’ in West Hollywood at their opening reception. Pelletier grew up in Brevard, North Carolina, a rural town that revolved around tourism. He drew upon these experiences of growing up in a tourist town to create his art. Living in Brevard, he observed through the eyes of a local the relationships between tourists and locals and their contradictory relationship of both dependence and resentment. Through a combination of photography, sculpture, painting, writing, and graphic design, Pelletier explores themes of capitalism, paradoxes, competition, and tourism. Starting from August 8 to August 29, the public can view Tourist Seizin’ every Tuesday-Saturday 1-6pm.

The Promise of Something and Nothing

Photo Credit: “October 1, 2001” by Samira Yamin