The Gallery Row: Downtown Los Angeles

Two weeks ago I went to the Gallery Row located in Downtown Los Angeles between Main and Spring Streets from 2nd to 9th Streets. The art-walk is dope like heroin, it's an art aficionado's wet dream come true. It's basically, a public self-guided tour that showcases 42 art galleries, museums, and non-profit art venues, every 2nd Thursday of the month from 12:00 p.m to 9:00p.m. The Gallery Row was founded in 2003 and has always showcased a special artist each month.

This month they showcased two internationally known and locally respected Los Angeles Graffiti Artists. "Kofie One", who designed murals for Barack Obama's presidential campaign and "Mear One", he's a living legend. His art can be seen anywhere from the concrete streets, magazines, art galleries, etc.

I really like the environment at the Gallery Row, there's music and plenty of food. There's even a free shuttle service from 6-10 p.m called the "Party Bus". Some of the art pieces are inspirational and some are mind blowing. Keep in mind that the photographs don't do justice for these works of art. The next art walk is on November 13th, hopefully I can see some of you there....

Upcoming Attractions...

Since, I talked about some of my favorite Horror movies and posters, it's only right to discuss about upcoming movie posters...

When I'm not listening to music, eating, hanging out w/ friends or tap dancing, I'm probably watching a movie. I hate it when I buy bootlegs DVD's, because they don't show upcoming attractions. Watching upcoming attractions is one of the reasons I like going to the movie theaters. One thing I hate about going to the movie theaters is looking at those cheesy trivia questions they advertise before a upcoming attractions.

Movie ad's are an important element in the Motion Picture Industry, they spends an average of $15 million to promote each movie. I really like the way movie posters are designed: Image, Tag-line and Title (Sometimes Actors names). It's interesting to see how they advertise and create hype about a film by using these 3 elements, without revealing too much information about the movie.

These are some Teaser Posters for upcoming films in 2009....

For the Horror fans: Friday the Thirteen and The Uninvited

For the Comic fans-Xmen Origins: Wolverine and GI-Joe:Rise of Cobra

For the Munchkins: Dragon Ball, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinasours and Where the wild things are (Remember this Book, I do)

Some other films, I'm looking forward to in the year 2010 are Alice in Wonderland, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Smurfs, Voltron, Gears of War, Bob Marley: Movie and the Unauthorized Bio of Jimmy Moss.

Favorite Horror Movies and Covers...

Candy corn, Pumpkins, Halloween parties and Horror films....Halloween is here. I'm a big fan of Horror films, I like watching B-side , Cult and Shockumentaries movies. Whenever I get a chance I like going to the Grindhouse Theater on Beverly Blvd west of La Brea, sometimes I just pass by just to see the great Horror film posters.

On Friday, I overheard some youngsters talking about how SAW Cinco (Five) is scary and good. I think that High School Musical movie is scarier than Saw 5...

As a kid I had no choice but to watch Horror films with my Uncle. I remember this video store by my house, I would walk on the other side of the street to avoid seeing the Horror Posters. Even though, I was scared I was always attracted to the posters. I think it has always been the creepy images they have used to create fear and mystery.

Here are some of my favorite films and covers check out the typography on these babies...

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The Exorcist
Dead Alive
I Drink Your Blood
Cannibal Holocaust (Not for the Squeamish)

Dial Soap vs. Doritos Chips Bag

During the week I went Halloween shopping around town. I went to Rite Aid on Crenshaw and Slauson, as I went through the Shampoo section I stumbled upon a canister of Dial shampoo. I was a bit confused when I saw it, is it me or does it look like a bag of Doritos....You be the judge????

Shocking HIV/AIDS Awareness Ads

As the saying goes, "Sex Sells", I stumbled upon this excellent HIV/AIDS Awareness campaign ad from France. The text reads: "Without a condom you're making love with AIDS. Protect yourself." The ad was designed by French NGO (National-Governmental Organization) called AIDES ("Aide" means "Support" or "help" in French), which was founded in 1984, which is the leading French Aids fighting association in Europe. These ads were created to shock, scare and spread awareness. This is a serious issue ladies and gentlemen, PROTECT YOURSELVES and Practice safe sex, even Superwoman can get it. Test yourselves, there's plenty of free help out there...

Obama Fever....

As the presidential elections get closer and closer, 26 days to be exact. There's a hot new trend among Street Wear Clothing Companies, Barack Obama shirts. Obama's mugshot can be seen everywhere from bumper stickers, coffee mugs, toys and even lingerie. Obama shirts are grossing in sales among Street Wear Clothing Companies, it seems to be the new way to campaign. John Mc Cain and Sarah Palin seem to be getting no love, I've only seen negative shirts for them. If you really want an Obama shirt you can get yours on the corner of Crenshaw and Slauson. Keep in mind that the last day to register to vote is October 20th, 2008, don't let time pass you by...

I wish Bill Clinton could run for president again, I would love to see the shirts...