LACMA

Judy Hong
Co-Owner/Instructor, Pilates Plus Downtown L.A.; Consultant, Blumberg Ribner, Inc.

What interested you in a LACMA membership?
Like many Angelenos, I'm a transplant; but now, Los Angeles is my home. There is no other city quite like L.A. that embodies the diversity in culture, lifestyles, histories, industries and interests—all mixed in with a little celebrity and sunshine. If you love a city, you only have to look at its museum—its collections and program events—to get a small reflection of what makes it so special.

When did you join LACMA?
I became a LACMA member just this year.

What is your favorite type of art at LACMA?
Right now, my favorite is the modern collection. All the works from this section are an experience in and of themselves. Some are like a twisted nightmare (Victor Brauner's Suicide at Dawn) and others just make you zone out and stare (like Rothko's White Center ).

Who is your favorite artist and why?
For reasons I never really have been able to identify, my favorite artist is Mark Rothko. There is just something about his paintings that make me stare at them. I read a quote somewhere that people have often cried as his paintings. I have not—but I'm not surprised some have. They remind me of emotions—raw, messy, layered, visceral. They also remind me Neapolitan ice cream! I hope that doesn't offend anyone; it's a compliment in my book.

If you had to choose one artwork to summarize your impression of LACMA, what would it be?
Right now, I would say it would have to be Jeff Koons's Michael Jackson and Bubbles. In my humble opinion, art should be approachable. It should have the ability to reflect the people—all different walks of life, not just a select few and definitely not just the "Art Elite." Michael Jackson and Bubbles embodies that because of this particular moment in time.

What have you enjoyed most about the museum?
I've really enjoyed the LACMA music series. One of my fondest memories is of the LACMA Friday Night Jazz series in the courtyard. I had just moved to L.A., and after a very long work week I ended up at LACMA with a few friends. It was warm and still light; the week was over and we were talking and laughing with the sounds of beautiful jazz in the background. It was one of my very first "I love L.A." moments.