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"Elements of Nature" Exhibition to Close at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum

The ancients believed that the world consisted of four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Although they have been replaced by modern scientific elements, these four essential states have continued to inspire artists. Since Aug. 22 an exhibition has been on display at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum with works of art reflecting how the four elements continue to have meaning in our lives. Titled "Elements of Nature," the exhibition will come to an end on Sunday, Dec. 6. 

The theme of nature's elements has particular relevance in California where artists often turn to the outdoors for inspiration. Joe Goode's iconic Torn Sky series from the 1970s embodies the contradictions of life in sunny but smog-filled Los Angeles. Ed Ruscha's witty images of letters floating in the air were inspired by the grandeur of the California sky. Los Angeles Light and Space artists Jack Goldstein and Lita Albuquerque create images based on the infinity of space and time.

While many of the artists in the exhibition are from California, the roster is international and also includes painters such as the German Torben Giehler who creates mosaic topographical patterns based on the earth's surface. The artists featured in the exhibition include: Lita Albuquerque, Peter Alexander, Charles Arnoldi, Joe Goode, Marina Kappos, Greg Miller, Andy Moses, and Edward Ruscha, among others.

The selections are taken from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation. Starting in the 1950s, Frederick Weisman began collecting a remarkable group of masterpieces of modern and contemporary American and European art. He demonstrated great vision by acquiring examples of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art long before these movements became popular. Since the death of Frederick R. Weisman, his foundation has continued to collect work by new and young artists, fulfilling Weisman's desire to leave a living legacy to the public

The exhibit runs until December 6. The Frederick R. Weisman Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on Mondays and major holidays. There is no admission charge.

For more information about the exhibit, please contact the Center for the Arts at (310) 506-4851, or visit the Weisman Museum Web site.