L.A. Now: A show “based on no idea at all”

�L.A. Now,� opening at the Las Vegas Art Museum next, week features work by 20 emerging L.A. artists, many of whom are painters. Organized by L.A. Times critic, curator, and Claremont Graduate University associate professor of art theory David Pagel, the exhibition was selected from artists who had shows in L.A. galleries in 2007-2008. Pagel wanted to showcase individual artists’ achievement rather than present work that explores a particular theme. Most importantly, he wanted to select artworks that created compelling interactions. �I wanted the works in my show to converse with one another, to engage one another materially, intellectually, and emotionally.� Pagel told Las Vegas Sun reporter Becky Bosshart that the “grouping isn’t based on a clear idea � it’s based on no idea at all.”Painters include Olivia Booth, Lecia Dole-Recio, Brad Eberhard, Wendell Gladstone, Annie Lapin, Michael Lazarus, Jeni Spota, and Don Suggs. “L.A. Now,” curated by David Pagel. Las Vegas Art Museum, Las Vegas, NV. Through March 8.