The Hammer Museum is set to host a vibrant event celebrating youthful creativity and experimental art from Korea. The event, titled “Only the Young: Experimental Art in Korea, 1960s–1970s,” will feature a special performance by the renowned Korean hip-hop group Dynamicduo and the dynamic dance crew PROWDMON. This celebration, presented by CJ ENM, promises an evening filled with energy and artistic expression.
Attendees will enjoy free admission, cash bars, and extended gallery hours until 10:30 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to be among the first to explore the “Only the Young” exhibition, along with other new showcases such as Stanley Brouwn’s works, “Groove: Artists and Intaglio Prints, 1500 to Now,” and Hammer Projects by Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi and Vamba Bility.
Dynamicduo, consisting of rappers Gaeko and Choiza, is one of Korea’s most prolific hip-hop groups. Their discography includes hits like the 2014 release “AEAO” and last year’s popular single “Smoke.” PROWDMON, led by Monika, gained widespread recognition through CJ ENM’s dance competition series “Street Woman Fighter.” The performance at the Hammer will feature four members of the crew: Monika, Lip J, Minz, and Kayday.
The event is free and open to the public, with priority entry for museum members. Members at the Impact level and above are invited to a special Director’s Reception before the public celebration. This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in youthful celebration and experimental art.
For those planning to attend, it’s important to note that RSVP does not guarantee entry if the event reaches capacity. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited parking is available at the museum for a flat rate of $8, with additional parking at UCLA Parking Lot 36 for $6. Visitors are encouraged to consider biking, public transportation, or ride-sharing to ease parking constraints.
Hammer Museum members enjoy several benefits, including priority entry and a free first drink for members at the Immerse level and above. Becoming a member offers a range of perks and supports the museum’s mission to provide free access to art and culture.
In another part of the world, the Kesanga Festival in Denpasar is gearing up for a youthful celebration of its own. From March 1 to 3, Patung Catur Muka Square will come alive with the vibrant display of 160 Ogoh-ogoh statues. These statues, selected by the Department of Culture from various districts, are judged on originality, relevance, design, and artistic flair.
Ogoh-ogoh statues, crafted from papier-mâché, symbolize evil spirits and human vices. They are revealed only once a year before the Day of Silence, making this festival a unique cultural event. The creation of these statues is a costly endeavor, often reaching thousands of dollars. Local residents contribute funds, and this year, Badung authorities are allocating 11 billion rupiahs to support these creative efforts, emphasizing the use of eco-friendly materials.
Despite a break in the island-wide competition due to elections, the Kesanga Festival continues to offer excitement with a generous prize of 30 million rupiahs for the top three statues. Parades will be confined to traditional village areas, organized by local administrations to ensure a smooth and orderly experience.
Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Vibawa is optimistic that the festival will add excitement as Bali prepares for Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, on March 11. Nyepi’s Day of Silence begins at 6 am on March 11, imposing restrictions on outdoor activities, noise, loud music, and bright lights until the morning of March 12.
Both events, though worlds apart, highlight the spirit of youthful celebration and the power of art to bring communities together. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or Bali, these celebrations offer a chance to experience the vibrancy and creativity of youth in unique cultural contexts.
