Warhol exhibit: Overall, I liked it. I don't know how to say this without sounding like an idiot -- there were lots of pretty colors, and it was neat, but that's about all. It didn't go any futher or any deeper than that. It lacks warmth or life. I almost prefer the Warhol merchandise to the Warhol art -- the postcards, T-shirts, and wrist watches with Warhol reproductions lose nothing in the translation.

Geffen exhibit: This was a real surprise for me. I loved the whole experience. It was intellectually engaging, stimulating, and really fun. Where Warhol's work left me cold and at a distance, this exhibit felt much more interactive and free and alive. Even a week later, this collection is still with me.

Warhol exhibit: I thought it was kind of boring, actually. It could have used some more pictures, fewer taking up space. The pictures with the diamond dust were cool looking. Some of the pictures I didn't see very well because they were black and white. I liked the Coca-Cola ones too. The gift shop was cool, and we bought a packet of notepads with Andy Warhol cats.

Geffen exhibit: I liked that one. I liked all the neat sculptures -- especially the one that kept saying 'zero-zero-zero-zero-zero-zero-zero-zero...' The one that annoyed me was the one that was hanging from the ceiling. It had neon lights that spelled words, and then little speakers would repeat the word that was spelled out -- 'grasped' and 'closed.' It surprised me.

Museums overall: It was pretty fun actually. I'm looking forward to seeing The Getty.

Warhol exhibit: Warhol's influence can be felt all over -- a Warhol style brings to mind the celebrity portraits. The large scale of some of the pictures surprised me. But it is quite cold, and industrial, and distant -- which apparently is what Warhol was going for -- so he's succeeded.

Geffen exhibit: H.C. Westermann -- I'd never heard of this artist, but boy, what an unusual body of work he's created. Using wood, metal, and found objects, he has created sculptures, constructions, and other object d'art that are fun, great to look at, but then labled with a glib, sarcastic, and sometimes dark title. Reminds me of another artist I know out in Thousand Oaks.

The Arte Povera exhibit was a lot of fun too. In each gallery there were pieces that caused us to laugh, gasp, or in certain instances, make a discovery. It's so hard to describe, but we all really enjoyed this more than the Warhol. Maybe it was because we didn't know the artists or their work. Maybe it was because the gallery was virtually empty -- It was 2Adults-1Child and about 25 security guards. Maybe it was because it was good and cold in the space [apparently to help preserve he wood used in Westermann's work]. Whatever the reason, we're still talking about the exhibits here. I bought the H.C. Westermann book as a gift for someone, but may have to get one for myself.

The Geffen really saved the day for me. And again, not to gripe, but we did spend close to $100.00 -- which is a heck of a lot to spend on an afternoon of art. Grumble - Grumble - Grumble.