NoHo>LA
Cannibal Flower Power:Two Years and Growing
by Anthony McBride

In the sixties, art was a movement that catapulted itself into legend and history. London, New York and San Francisco were the epicenters. Los Angeles had its share, with La Cienega Boulevard as the platform for art walks and gallery openings, but L.A. did not make as big a mark as it's domestic and international partners. But maybe that's because the Cannibal Flower art gallery and performance space wasn't sprouted until the year 2000.

Cannibal Flower is the perfect place to get your multi-faceted groove on, whether you want to buy (or just browse) some unknown art, from lo-brow kitsch to seasoned artists. With fine paintings and sculptures, performance artists that stop at nothing to shock you (or make you think twice), Cannibal is probably one of the best venues in L.A. today. Combining art, music, dance and sub-culture and helping define Angelinos in their pomposity, glitter, angst, politics and sheer brilliance all under one roof. A rave of sorts, but without any amateur drama that accompanies most of today's trendy gatherings. And you feel rewarded knowing that some of the $10 you pay at the door (or seven if you show up in costume or as walking art) is going to a Guatemalan AIDS project.
August 17th was Cannibal's second year anniversary and they pulled out all the stops. Located at one of the organizer's favorite haunts: an old bank where, of course, a vault was used for an installation piece (portraying one of Nazi Germany's fuel extraction methods and a baby deer, or a doe...oh dear).

The downstairs level was a dance area that was taken full advantage of, and the main level was where most of the art and performance was held. Liz McGrath exhibited a sculpture and that alone lent tons of legitimacy to the show. Maybe not her best work but her presence was clear. Mark Mothersbaugh of DEVO fame, also lent his credit to the powers that be at Cannibal, with a mixed-media piece. Martini Art was featured, as was Dennis Larkin's work and that of Stephen Anderson. The line up of artists was extensive and does feature some regulars, so I will omit all of the showing artists and leave an element of surprise for your visit.

I would like to mention Roger Roundy, who flew himself and his gigantic piece, "Oakland Tabernacle," in from San Francisco. It drew a lot of attention. Rick O'Brien's "Blue Girl" was dark and Recondo-like and Spencer Davis' "Cotton Candy" doll was also a glam hit with the trendy and funky crowd. Adam Strange, Nathan Spoor, Amy Davis Roth, Miss Mindy and Candace Jeanette and Kimmy McCann all also brought forth style and talent.

The clincher for me was to see a live performance by L.Croskey and his trip-hopera. Two D.J.s and and an opera singer. This is something that is ahead of its time and maybe not very commercial, yet it proves Croskey, who is the main man behind Cannibal Flower, is nearing his apex of a solid idea. Everyone who contributes to Cannibal by working hard for and with Croskey - showing art, or just coming down to take part - are all helping sow the seeds of this fertile flower that helps keep L.A. on the underground cultural map.