The Scene @ OCMA Tonight

Notes on the crowd: An intimate gathering, overall. There were about 200 guests, tops, half and half of young and old; a comfy mix. Strangely, no programs were available, but management at OCMA allowed all the photography guests wanted, which is also rare and special when it happens. I'm very convinced I saw LA artist Mark Bradford in attendance, only with eyeliner and a polished suit. (He can't hide being so leggy at 7-feet tall. It must've been him!) The music was smooth (a DJ was spinning throughout the event in the main room where Martin Kersels' "Trouble Room" is installed). Hors d'oeuvre were served and Shirley Temples were only $1 (and tasty) at the cash bar.

Notes on the exhibit: Something about the new show ("Disorderly Conduct: Recent Art in Tumultuous Times") felt unfairly fussy. Perhaps that is the goal, hence the name. So, yes, it was appealing in a wacky, playful, artist-plays-the-whimsy-psychologist manner. I'd also return to get a closer glimpse of another show called "Art Since the 1960s: California Experiments." Above is a video of artist Mike Kelley's "Gospel Rocket."

OCMA's "Disorderly Conduct: Recent Art in Tumultuous Times" opens Sunday, Feb. 3.

Videos by Barbara Navarro.