Hellscape

Los Angeles, at least the place I visited, was harsh, unpleasant, dirty and a bit scary. The poor air quality from the burning fires, 100 degree heat, extreme poverty, juxtaposed with beyond ordinary wealth, derelict buildings, and plants growing in plastic buckets beneath top soil, caused some part of my brain to repeat the word, hellscape. It felt so surreal.

The gallery installation was much different than I imagined. Twenty-something monitors, in one large open space, simultaneously played experimental videos. White headphones dangled beneath each screen for the viewer to hear the audio. A live band played avant-gard, noise and free improvisation. I watched the course of videos playing on the monitor above my name for an hour. The videos cycled through twice, and mine never showed up. It was a strange experience. One might wonder was going to Los Angeles to see the show a waste of time and money. Well perhaps so, but I am grateful I went. It was good to be on the road and see the city. Compassion grows with awareness.