16th Presence Almanac

PRESENCE ALMANAC

Sixteenth Chronicle

Curated by Elliott Desai

Cover photo by Elliott Desai

Inside Cover photo by Elliott Desai

FOR THE A DVA N C E M E N T OF ARTS & CULTURE A life of beauty & creativity is sustained by cultivating more moments of beauty & creativity.

Yet an open afternoon can easily slip away to distractions, or more regrettably, to watching videos and being online for too long.

So how do we combat this sedentary nature?

Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness - a non-denominational church that welcomes visitors to enjoy the villa, be in nature, and attend the weekly programming.

Open in the afternoon a few days a week, I highly recommend visiting the mansion and walking around the paved labyrinth to unwind your mind.

Like Newton’s 1st Law — an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force — I’m launching my body into the world and occupying my brain with the artists and spaces around us.

With locations all around the world, Hauser & Wirth is a leader in local Los Angeles arts & culture.

Since our internal monologues affect how we navigate each day, I have to create moments that compel an enjoyable, pleasant point of view.

The Arts District property features a bookstore, garden, restaurant, several galleries and a dedicated space for performance projects.

And when I reach this mindset, I remember that I simply love showing up to unfamiliar places and finding out what they’re all about.

Harmony Korine’s AGGRESSIVE DR1FTER is currently on view until January 14, 2024 and combines his painting and film practices.

So as I continue exploring the city, here are more recommendations for the Sixteenth Chronicle:

I really love these chromatic works and am clearly drawn to series that depict “reality” in an abstract way.

JEFFERSON PARK I visited the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens to attend a tea ceremony, and then returned a few weeks later to lounge in the meditation gardens.

The historic property was founded

by John-Roger and is home to the

ARTS DISTRICT & WEST HOLLYWOOD

Then on the other side of town at Hauser & Wirth’s West Hollywood location is Allison Katz’s Westward Ho! on view until January 5, 2024.

In a similar theme, these paintings portray an amalgamated reality of “narratives from visual culture, [Katz] own past, and the coincidences that gather around her.”

Both shows serve as inspirations as I continue honing my own craft, and I recommend making a visit this year.

BEVERLY HILLS Mulholland Scenic Overlook is one of the most iconic destinations for visitors to Los Angeles.

Yet anyone who’s traveled to this spot is familiar with the precarious nature of the drive — looking out at the valley while speeding around the side of a mountain and finding space to park without being hit by cars.

So you can imagine my surprise and delight to learn that 5 minutes away at the border of Coldwater Canyon Park and Sherman Oaks is an even better (and safer) view: TreePeople.

This environmental non-profit is dedicated to inspiring and providing opportunities for people to plant and care for “trees in forests, mountains, parks, and our neighborhoods.”

A great mission, and the park is a convenient excursion into nature for a memorable walk, reading a book and overall enjoying a present afternoon. Out on the bench, you can only hear the birds flying by.

Published November 5 at 1:38 AM as daylight savings comes to an end.

Sincerely, Elliott Desai

JEFFERSON PARK

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

ARTS DISTRICT

© Harmony Korine | INFABLINX, 2023 AGGRESSIVE DR1FTER

Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Hauser & Wirth

© Harmony Korine | DRONE CODES, 2023 AGGRESSIVE DR1FTER

Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Hauser & Wirth

© Harmony Korine | PARADEEZ, 2023 AGGRESSIVE DR1FTER

Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Hauser & Wirth

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

WEST HOLLYWOOD

© Allison Katz | Catwalk, 2023 Westward Ho!

Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Hauser & Wirth

© Allison Katz | Truth, 2023 Westward Ho!

Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Hauser & Wirth

© Allison Katz | Venice Peaches, 2023 Westward Ho!

Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Hauser & Wirth

© Allison Katz | Sheepish, 2023 Westward Ho!

Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Hauser & Wirth

© Allison Katz | Don’t A.S.K., 2023 Westward Ho!

Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Hauser & Wirth

BEVERLY HILLS

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

JEFFERSON PARK

ARTS DISTRICT

Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens

Harmony Korine

3500 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018

AGGRESSIVE DR1FTER September 15, 2023 - January 14, 2024 hauserwirth.com/artists/ 40784-harmony-korine

peacelabyrinth.org

Hauser & Wirth 901 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 hauserwirth.com

WEST HOLLYWOOD

BEVERLY HILLS

Allison Katz

TreePeople

Westward Ho! November 4, 2023 - January 5, 2024 hauserwirth.com/artists/ 39363-allison-katz

Hauser & Wirth 8980 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 hauserwirth.com

12601 Mulholland Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 treepeople.org

November 5 at 1:38 AM Los Angeles, CA

© Elliott Desai

presencealmanac.com