All the “To-Do” blogs of the Los Angeles said, “Go to Sunset Junction!” AH said, “Come to Sunset Junction!” Santa Monica beckoned, “Forget Sunset Junction, and run away to Sri Lanka Day!” They all promised music, food and fun in the great outdoors on what turned out to be a lovely, mild summer day in California, and I said nay to them all. I turned my back on the great Silverlake event, which enjoyed food booth reviews in the Los Angeles Times. I even pushed away the allure of SE Asian cuisine–and I do love it so. I did it all for there was a prize that had snagged my attention for months now, and it was to be found on the top of the Hollywood Hills (are those the Hollywood Hills?) in the J. Paul Getty Museum.

I’m going to wander off on a tangent here. When you drive around Los Angeles, the arts of the city post banners on lightposts and the like to tout their events. That’s actually how I found out about BodyWorks at the California Science Center and many other delightful, chocolate-covered treats. On my wander through Farmer’s Market in Santa Monica a few weeks ago, my eye was caught. My attention was arrested. What did my eye espy? Bernini at the Getty!

Who is Bernini? He’s like one of the most awesome sculptors in art history. Don’t believe it? Bam! Bam! Bam!

What sets Bernini’s work apart, and also squarely in the Baroque, is his interest in turning blocks of marble and blank canvas into a record of a dynamic, emotional, human moment. The Getty did a good job comparing and contrasting Bernini’s style to a few of his contemporaries. For instance, Bernini liked to sculpt people as if they were just about to speak. He felt this was the moment that a person was most revealed. Getty signs say that two busts in particular: of the pope and Bernini’s mistress, stand apart as the finer (or even finest) examples of Baroque marble portraiture.

Constanza Bonarelli

constanza bonarelliConstanza Bonarelli and Cardinal Borghese

If you look at these two busts, notice how both subjects are not looking straight ahead but off to the side — like they’re talking/seeing someone. In particular, Constanza Bonarelli looks surprised, as if at a vulnerable moment, when she’s not quite put together, while the Cardinal looks like he’s multitasking — sitting for his bust, talking, and etc.

My one disappointment about the exhibit was that it was only Bernini busts, and even then, not all the busts were by Bernini. But I did enjoy learning to appreciate Baroque art even more.

Afterward, I wandered through the Getty gardens, and it seemed to me as if, like Bernini who tried to capture the attention of his audience by capturing a dynamic moment from his subject, the Getty was on the hunt for the same thing. The last couple times that I’ve been here, I’ve been surprised by how many families come to spend a weekend afternoon. The gardens especially are enticing to families — there are open lawns, flowers and a beautiful view of the city. How easy to come with the kids, see a few pieces of art and then chill on the grass! Instead of trying to catch movement, the Getty’s trying to capture an idyllic weekend moment for families. They even have a children’s musical show. I remember hearing a tune about a rabbit.

The day ended on a decidedly more bohemian note. I enjoyed savory crepes at Manhattan Beach, and then sat with friends at the very comfortable and trendy Coco Noche–a wine bar. I love how wine bars are popping up all over the place, and Coco Noche is a bar apart. Aside from a selection of wines, they offer gourmet chocolates. And this is how I shall end this post–with very unique flavors. Imagine a dark night, the sea breeze and three glasses of wine carefully paired with three gourmet chocolates.

The first is a Pinot Noir paired with a spicy cinnamon and chipotle dark chocolate.

The second is none other than a Frontier Red Blend complemented by a very delicious coconut curry chocolate.

And the last is a Cabernet Sauvignon, with a dark chocolate slightly salted and tasting of bacon. When you bite inside, you see the bacon bit, and you wonder at that moment: a) What does your face look like? How would it be captured? and b) Are  you tempted to stick around and try another bite?

The answer: Oh yes. You caught, mouth open and vulnerable to the gourmet delight.