The last Comet field trip was many months ago in February, so we were overdue for another relaxing and inspirational excursion. So, off to the Broad Museum in Los Angeles to see the Jasper Johns “Something Resembling Truth” exhibition!
Metrolink
The train took about two hours, and we greatly enjoyed chatting to scenic views of the ocean. It was much more relaxing than taking a car against L.A. morning traffic!
What was a misty and chilly morning in Carlsbad quickly turned hot and sunny the moment we got off the train at L.A. Union Station.
Cafecito Pura Vida
As an unfortunate side effect of early hours we set out (7:15 a.m.), we all desperately needed our morning caffeine fix. So our first detour was to a delightful Columbian themed café. They had delicious shredded beef and bell pepper empanadas in addition to the wonderfully spiced coffee. (Apparently it takes 3 days for them to make their cold brew!)
We arrived right on time at 11:00 a.m. for the opening of the museum. There were close to a hundred people waiting in line for Jasper Johns and the Infinity Rooms (Yayoi Kusama), which has been at the Broad since 2015.
Jasper Johns Exhibit
“Something Resembling Truth” is an incredible exhibition, featuring more than 120 drawings, paintings, sculptures and prints by Jasper Johns, one of America’s greatest artists. Many of his early works included encaustic art, which was a large point of connection for Nanette, our creative director and encaustic artist.
Through a series of thematic rooms that encompassed all sorts of materials and techniques, the exhibit traced Jasper Johns’ artistic evolution through six decades of his career. All of us found something that caught our eye, whether it was a dynamic surface flag dipped in wax, subversive appropriation of industrial utensils, or a poem painting with Frank O’Hara.
Grand Central Market
By the time we finished browsing the Jasper Johns exhibit, we were all ready for lunch. The Grand Central Market, a downtown landmark since 1917, was only a few minutes walk. Our group split up to browse and discover the vast market of over 130 different cultures and cuisines. Collectively, we tried Thai pineapple fried rice, Salvadorean pupusas, Filipino sweet roasted chicken and buko pie, and McConnell’s fine ice cream for dessert (yum!).
Angel’s Flight
On our way back, we skipped about a thousand stairs and rode the short and sweet Angel’s Flight Railway back up the hill. (Two of our members were a bit too enthusiastic about taking photos, unknowingly causing the rail to stall for several minutes until they sat back down. Oops!)
After spending the last hour browsing the Broad’s permanent collection, we booked the train home, our heads and hearts ignited with new ideas and our stomachs filled with exquisite food. We can’t wait for the next trip!
