THE SCENE

Times Square Is Full of Love

Thanks to Artist Domingo Zapata, New Yorkers can look up for a reminder of joy in the heart of the city.

The distinguished and formidable Spanish-American artist Domingo Zapata has a big message for New York City in an exhibition that is all heart. Zapata’s latest installation is a digital billboard and a 5-story mural in the middle of Times Square. It’s the single biggest piece of artwork to ever be displayed in the city and what is says is simple yet powerful: I Love You More Than Time. The message of love is transformative—especially in times of uncertainty—and as the nation slowly seeks to fi nd what the new normal will look like, the timing of Zapata’s installation feels sympatico.

Throughout his career, Zapata has been in and out of the spotlight. From being embraced and shunned by the art elite to making tabloids, his passion for creating, fatherhood, and bringing good into this chaotic world outweigh anything for which he may be criticized—and praised. He lives and breathes the art he creates.

“In Spain, a term that is connected to fl amenco, is called el duende.” says Zapata. “Poet Federico Garcia Lorca described this term as a fairy that lives inside of your soul and evokes art. If you have el duende, you are an artist because you can fully express yourself, bring up memories from the past, and also remain hopeful for the future.”

About the piece in Times Square he says, “El duende is very important to me and I believe it is inside of my soul and enables me to produce art. Having the opportunity to create the largest painting in the world and the largest mural in the history of New York is incredible. Times Square is such a magical place and being able to express digitally this message of hope during the pandemic is very special.”

The installation is evidence of the healing power of love, positivity and kind words. Let’s hope the words “I love you more than time” will resonate long after 2021.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Hailing from Palma de Mallorca, Domingo Zapata has gained international recognition for his distinctive and eclectic style, and has even been described as the new Andy Warhol. His work is energetic, poetic, emphatic, and emotive, and his blending of mixed media has an air of both Warhol and Basquiat. He’s worked with some of the most well-known brands in the world, from Steve Madden to Alice and Olivia. Zapata has even collaborated with Pope Francis on a mural. dzapata.com / @domingozapata

On the Calendar

As more Californians get vaccinated, venues and events are opening up across the state.

TEXT DAWN GARCIA

May brings us one step closer to the summered California, already full of its famed sunshine. But this May much of the state is fi nally going back to living life with a bit more ease. Museums are re-opening, restaurants are beginning to seat indoors, and public spaces are slowly opening back up as millions continue to get vaccinated. May seems promising in more ways than one. Dig into this calendar of events for the month and please check for updated COVID-19 protocols.

LEFT: MESOPOTAMIA: CIVILIZATION BEGINS BELOW: REIKI + SOUND HEALING IMMERSION

Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins

Now–Aug. 16 The Getty Villa, 17985 Paci c Coast Highway, Paci c Palisades getty.edu/visit/villa/

In a rare look at the ancient world’s fi rst cities, The Getty Museum and Louvre come together to share Mesopotamian artifacts spanning thousands of years of creativity and innovation. Reservations required.

Magic Asphalt: Drive-In Comedy Under the Stars

Now–May 8 Magic Castle Parking Lot, 7001 Franklin Ave, Hollywood Tickets $100-$125. nightout.com

Indoor comedy venues may still be closed, but this outdoor comedy extravaganza will bring back the laughs.

Purely Abstract

May 8, 11 a.m. Las Laguna Art Gallery, 577 S. Coast Hwy, Unit A-1, Laguna Beach laslagunaartgallery.com

Feast your eyes on hundreds of works of abstract art—from acrylics to assemblage to encaustic and traditional photography— at this special artist ensemble exhibition.

Reiki + Sound Healing Immersion

May 17, 7 p.m. Elka Yoga & Wellness Center, 4166 Voltaire Street, San Diego Tickets $35. eventbrite.com

TOP: LONG BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL BELOW: EAT / PLAY

The combination of Reiki healing and sound baths brings together the universal elements of water, earth, air, and fi re as a platform for meditation and centering. And singing bowls, tuning forks, chimes, chanting and more, give the soul the revival it needs.

Long Beach Craw sh Festival

May 21–23 Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach Tickets: $5-$83. longbeachcraw shfestival.com When you can’t go to New Orleans, Long Beach brings the Crescent City party to you. Master Chefs will prepare true Louisianastyle crawfi sh along with Cajun potatoes, corn on the cob, and tangy remoulade dipping sauce. Come hungry and ready to groove. And eat so much crawfi sh you’re licking your fi ngers for days after!

Dance At Dusk

May 26, 7:30 p.m. Music Center DTLA musiccenter.org Immersive Van Gogh

Downtown LA (TBA) May 27, 2021–Jan. 2022 vangoghla.com

Artichoke Festival

Summer (exact dates TBD) Monterey County Fair & Event Center artichokefestival.org EAT / PLAY

Now–Fall Throughout Southern California

While venues still work to open back up, we encourage you to spend time at our local beaches, rollerskating or bicycling along the coastal boardwalks, dining at local restaurants, and visiting more museums as they announce re-opening.

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The founders of Green Unicorn Farms, Christopher Leonard and Robert Hising, have years of experience helping build and grow brands in the cannabis and CBD space with their agency Cannaverse Solutions. The insights they have gained from this experience help them navigate the many challenges a new company faces when launching into a competitive marketplace.

Green Unicorn Farms doesn’t stop with low-THC fl owers though. The company has ambitious goals for the high-THC cannabis market as well. With a fun and approachable brand architecture, the company is currently evaluating potential licensing partners in states such as New York and California. Eventually, the plan is to offer a full-spectrum of cannabis and CBD products that can be found in both regulated and unregulated markets nationwide.

In order to give back to the community, Green Unicorn Farms has partnered with Sweetleaf Collective to launch ALTRSM compassion fl ower. All proceeds from the sale of ALTRSM products through Green Unicorn Farms’ website support the Sweetleaf Collective, which helps low-income terminally ill patients access free medical cannabis.

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