Buck Up, Art Lovers! Big themes prevail this week: The Past, Present and Future. Identity. Death. Cats. Dogs ....

Prepare for the future in Chinatown and consider the past as the present in Highland Park. Contemplate memory and mortality in Culver City (and everything else at the Hammer).

If it's all too much to take, lighten up with pet therapy in East LA or better yet, walk it off Downtown. Whatever you choose, it's an intense start to a promising new season.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10:

I-BE AREA
Hammer Projects presents I-BE AREA, the latest work from video artist Ryan Trecartin. A cast of hyperactive, spastic characters contemplates the big issues of our time, (cloning, virtual identity and adoption, to name a few). Using low-fi special effects and clownish makeup, I-BE AREA is a colorful, creepy and slightly cracked-out take on life in the 21^st century. And to drive that point home, you can preview it on YouTube.

THE DETAILS: I-BE AREA
Artist Talk 12:30pm
Exhibition runs September 10 - December 7, 2008
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310.443.7000
Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 11am-7 pm
Thu 11am-9 pm
Sun 11am-5 pm

Cosmic Collision: Intelligent Design For the Second Big Bang
New High (M)art, the self-proclaimed "ever-morphing retailer" features a fashion forward collection of wearable art. In celebration of the start-up of the Large Hadron Collider, (the world's most powerful particle collider, whatever that means) the opening reception will feature light installations by Ryan Paul Granich, "propagated wave algorithms" by Posso the DJ, and digital garment tags on all your future favorites.

THE DETAILS: Cosmic Collision
Opening Reception 8pm
Exhibition runs September 10 - November 5, 2008
New High (M)art
741 New High Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213.621.7822
info@newhighmart.com
Open Daily 12-6 PM (later by Appointment)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Downtown Art Walk
Galleries, museums and non-profits invite you to take a self-guided tour the second Thursday of every month. If you are not much of a walker, Entertainment and free shuttle service on "The Hippodrome" is offered by Esotouric from 6-10 pm. September performances include musicians, mimes and Senor Stretchy Skin, a man who can stretch the skin of his face up to two feet.

THE DETAILS: Downtown Art Walk
12pm - 9 pm
See website for map
www.downtownartwalk.com

Animals: A Group Exhibition
Bailey Gallery at Pussy and Pooch hosts a group show of animal inspired artwork curated by Sophia Gasparian. Kill two birds with one stone: Wash the dog in the bathhouse and see some art while he's drying off.

THE DETAILS: Bailey Gallery
Opening Reception 6pm-8pm
Exhibition Runs September 11 - October 31st
564 South Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Swiss artist Sandrine Pelletier explores the macabre using the lightest of materials. Delicate and raw, Pelletier's sculptural embroideries and textiles are dripping with thread. Keep an eye out for her ethereal hybrid skeletons made of lace.

THE DETAILS: Insekts
Opening reception 6-10pm
Exhibition runs September 12 - October 18, 2008
Fette's Gallery
4255 Baldwin Ave
Culver City, CA
310.559.7733
Hours By Appointment

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13:

Time Capsules (1967 - present)
Since the late sixties, conceptual artist Stephen Kaltenbach has been making time capsules and giving them to various artists, critics and institutions. While Kaltenbach is understandably sketchy about their contents, (some have reached their due date and others have a century or so to go) Another Year in LA has assembled 25 of the capsules here, including one given to Bruce Nauman in 1967.

THE DETAILS: Time Capsules
Opening Reception 7-10pm
Exhibition runs September 13 - October 18, 2008
www.anotheryearinla.com
2121 N. San Fernando Road, #13,
Los Angeles, CA 90065
323.223.4000
Open: Tues - Fri, 12pm - 5pm, Sat. 1pm - 4pm

Guide by Gwen Barba.