Leila Najafi

Roy Lichtenstein, a trailblazer in the Pop Art movement, had a very distinctive style that drew inspiration from everyday objects and comic books. A collection of his work will be on display in an exhibit featuring prints and a unique interactive space at the Skirball Center, which will also explore how his work made fine art more accessible to the masses and his time in Los Angeles.  

Los Angeles has plenty of places to experience great art, from local art galleries to some of the county's most essential museums, so it can be hard to narrow down what's worth seeing and what's not. While there are plenty of other art events that are likely to pop up from now until the end of the year, these 12 should definitely be on your radar this fall.   “Gaetano Pesce: Molds (Gelati Misti)” The exhibit features works from contemporary Italian artist Pesce, best known for his cast-resin vases.  A video also gives viewers an inside look at the designer’s drawings, molds and casting techniques. MOCA Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood (310-289-5223, moca.org). Through Nov 27.  “Hey! Ho! Let’s Go: Ramones and the Birth of Punk” In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Ramones’ debut album, the exhibit includes memorabilia and personal items from the band’s musical career and contributions from artists closely related to the group. GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE, 800 W Olympic Blvd (213-765-6800, grammymuseum.org). Through Feb 28. “100 Years of National Parks: The West” This photography exhibit celebrates the West Coast’s national parks in honor of the National Park Service’s centennial anniversary. G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice (310-452-2842, theg2gallery.com). Oct 4–Jan 1. Opening reception Oct 8 at 6:30pm benefiting the Western National Parks Association; $10.  “States of Mind: Picasso Lithographs 1945–1960” Featuring a collection of 86 prints—

May has arrived, and with it comes a great run of arts and culture events that ought to remind you why you fell in love with Los Angeles in the first place. From a guided art tour to a boozy breakfast art show, here are five picks that should keep you cultured all month long.  Mr. Brainwash's "Life is Beautiful": You may recognize Thierry Guetta's “Life is Beautiful” street art plastered around the streets of LA. Or perhaps you know him best as Banksy’s protégé from the 2010 documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. This month, you can see the French-born artist’s latest work debuting during an opening reception at the Hamilton-Selway gallery on Melrose Avenue. Rumor has it there will be a special guest appearance (could it be who we think—er, hope—it is?). Hamilton-Selway Fine Art, 8678 Melrose Ave. Opening reception is Thursday, May 5, at 7pm; show runs through May 15. Free.The Pancakes and Booze Art Show: Enjoy more than 125 emerging artists and live body painters as you nosh on a free pancake bar (yes, you read that right) at this two-day underground art show in DTLA. Breakfast, booze and cool art—what more could you ask for? Lot 613, 613 Imperial St. Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, 8pm-2am. $5. Cartwheel Art Tours x Britweek: Cartwheel Art and BritWeek are teaming up for a bus tour around LA to discover and experience local British culture and art. The tour will include stops at galleries in Historic Filipinotown and visits to murals created by Shepard Fairey, Captai

Brewery Art Walk: Twice a year, the resident artists at the Brewery Arts Complex open up their studios to the public for an inside look into an artist’s world. You’ll be the first to lay eyes on some of their latest pieces, you'll have a chance to talk to the artists themselves and can tour the homes of over 100 local creators. (Brewery Arts Complex, 2100 North Main St, Unit A10, April 2-3, 11am-6pm. Free.) Artists & Fleas: Artists & Fleas is adding a second date to their calendar of LA events. Every first and fourth Saturday of the month, the open market will take over the Westminster Avenue Elementary School on Abbot Kinney with a range of vendors selling artisanal and vintage goods. (Westminster Avenue Elementary School, 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd, April 2 and 23, 11am-5pm. Free.) LA Rebels: Janette Beckman has shot some of the biggest names in hip-hop music, and the LA Rebels exhibit at Project Gallery pays homage to her career with a collection of work from the music and street scene. Beckman also collaborated with a number of graffiti artists including Cey Adams, Zephyr and Revolt to curate a series called "The MashUp," an artist’s interpretation of the iconic photos. (Project Gallery, 961 Chung King Road, opening reception April 9, 7-10pm. Free.)  TRASHed Coachella // Art of Recycling Exhibit: Get a jumpstart to your Coachella weekend with the annual TRASHed exhibit. View more than 40 recycle bins that have been designed by selected artists around the country before they g

Spring has sprung! The birds are chirping and the flowers are budding. Vibrant colors are popping up everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. There is never a shortage of art shows and other creative events happening in our creative mecca, so if you have an affinity for arts and culture, check out one of the many events happening around the city this month. Metro Art Presents: Music for Train Stations with dublab  Union Station is partnering with the online nonprofit radio station dublab for a free, month-long series that will awaken your senses. Say goodbye to the sound of chaos attributed to most train stations and say hello to “Music for Train Stations.” A special improvised performance by The Tenses and a DJ set by Ale will take over the metro station’s waiting area so you’ll be transported to musical bliss.  Class Acts  This art exhibit is not for the faint of heart. Five artists whose art pushes the envelope in controversial subjects will be featuring their art at Subliminal Projects, Shepard Fairey’s brainchild and gallery that provides a platform to cultivate fresh talent. The exhibit continues through March 26.  Viva La Muxer  If we ever forget how far women have come over the years, Queen B never fails to remind us that girls run this world. And if her catchy lyrics weren’t enough, women have a globally recognized day to commemorate all their achievements. International Women’s Day is around the corner and Viva La Muxer is a festival to celebrate the talented and dive