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    Gallery 1988

    4.3 (80 reviews)
    PriceyArt Galleries

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    Reviews With Photos

    Lora Zombie's Flaming Heart Art Show
    Marcus C.

    I recently came to Gallery 1988 because it hosted Lora Zombie's Flaming Heart Art Show. I was lucky enough to get tickets to Lora's live painting before the main event. I'm so glad I did because (1) Lora Zombie is one of my favorite artists and (2) it was great seeing the gallery in a small group. I could see myself getting a little claustrophobic because the space is small and looks like it can be difficult to get around & see all the art when it's packed to the brim. Lora Zombie's live painting was for a group of 20 with chairs provided around the canvas, letting people see up close and personal how she works. She was very lively and funny, answering questions from the group and from people commenting on the Facebook live streaming. As part of the event we got to see her original sketchbooks and got to buy merchandise before the public viewing. Got my third Lora Zombie art print and she was more than happy to sign it! Parking can be a little dicey around Melrose Ave depending on the time but it's not impossible to find metered parking or parking lots (especially if you don't mind walking a little). It looks like the art is always changing at Gallery 1988 so it's worth keeping an eye out for current/future exhibits.

    Kate Micucci art exhibit right now until 6/11/16
    Peijean T.

    I didn't know that this gallery is a "thing" in LA. I recently heard about Gallery 1988 East because artist Kate Micucci (one half of the Garfunkel and Oates duo) had a new exhibit, "Love and Pasta," on display for two weeks from end of May to early June. As it turns out Gallery 1988 East features some big names in the pop culture scene with a nerdy/indie tilt including comic book artists and entertainers such as Joss Whedon. The gallery is located near Pink's Hot Dogs (note: metered street parking for $1 an hour with time restrictions) and is a plain storefront with a tiny room and they only have one exhibit at a time, so when I visited the whole place was filled with Kate Micucci's work lining two walls. There is a staff member that sits there to answer questions. At the time I came, basically all the art had already been sold but was still on display for the limited time, but I was able to buy a t-shirt with Kate's art work. My whole visit took probably 15 minutes. It's worth keeping up with this gallery (and its bigger 1988 West sister) to see what's coming and stopping in for a casual visit on the way to other things in the area.

    Trina D.

    It's been a while since I've been to an art gallery in Los Angeles. I recently went with my friends to check out 100% Soft's Kawaiioscope show at Gallery 1988 on Melrose. It's a fun show with Kawaii style pop figures in a kaleidoscope display. There is a lot of humor and a lot of heart that harkens to the familiar images of one's youth. The gallery is small but you can buy limited edition prints along with the original 3D lithographs. The staff stays out of your way but you are welcome to wander about and ask questions. There was another show in the adjacent room with Garbagepail Kids style prints. I thought it was a great throwback to the 80s. The shows run for a limited time so go check it out and show a local artist some love.

    Hours.
    John S.

    The 2016 YELP 500, Review #197: Initially, I showed up and they were closed and I thought, next time I need to phone ahead. This way I don't waste my time getting over to that part of town. so, I looked forward to stopping by so that i could start bumping up my rating. NOTE: The first time I showed up there was a woman sitting in a beach chair very much looking like she had forgotten her key to open the gallery. I asked her if she worked there or what? She said that there was a show there that night, which was still a decent amount of hours away. At the time, I could barely see inside the place but, if this lady was going to sit outside and wait I would be willing to bet that this isn't your ordinary gallery. Making me all the more sad that I had missed my initial opportunity to see what was inside. When I finally was able to stop past and visit the gallery I enjoyed my visit and found the employee there informative. I have snapped a photo of the hours but, like all galleries I refrain from reproducing the art of others via photographs. Art is life!

    Kelli E.

    If you are a art lover this is the place to go. They have all local up and coming artist in there small exhibit. The day I came they were showing local art on Bojack. Every artist had a unique look that they gave, nothing was similar which was amazing. They actually sell the pictures there. However if the painting is he original you buy it you must keep that painting there until after that feature exhibit ends. They change they feature exhibit every three to four weeks. So it gives you a chance to see different artist and paintings or photos monthly. Great place to go!!

    Cordero R.

    THIS PLACE IS THE WORST DONT SHOP HERE!! (Just kidding I just don't want you to buy all the art I want for myself). I don't want to tell anyone about this place so I will regret writing this review, but it's too awesome not to share. This is the BEST art gallery in all of Los Angeles. My brother and I stumbled into this place accidentally while looking for overpriced vintage clothes on Melrose, and we were instantly enamored by how seemingly perfect this place was for our tastes. Dumb and Dumber, Billy Madison, The Thing, Oldboy, Godzilla, WWE, and Battle Royale art pieces were all on display. And incredibly affordable too! After looking through literally every piece of art they had in the store, I bought an Oldboy print that is amazing. And it was only $40 + tax (no frame). I'll be shopping here exclusively for my art needs from now on. And having just discovered their online store, I'll be broke and on the streets in no time. BUT I'll have a bunch of awesome art so it will all be okay.

    Rick and Morty Exhibit
    Monica L.

    Rick and morty show...i swear the line was half a mile long or more. We waited 2 hours to get in. The staff was very friendly and courteous, despite the stuffy room and BO. There were also free refreshments, which was a very nice gesture. Portraits and art were displayed in an otherwise plain, tiny little studio, with a small counter at the back for guests to buy pieces they liked. We enjoyed the art for about 40 minutes, then waited an additional 30 minutes or so to buy the prints we liked. Everything was near sold out within the 3 hours the store had opened (wow!), but we were very, VERY lucky to grab the ones we truly wanted. Wallet is now empty, but it was worth every penny spent, especially once we receive the original pieces we got and hang them in our home :)

    "Is This Thing On?"
    Katie B.

    It's a little on the small side, but you know what they say about small packages... I went last Friday night for the opening reception of Funny Or Die's "is This Thing On?" (http://www.funnyordie.com/articles/1c12c541e4/funny-or-die-and-gallery1988-present-is-this-thing-on) - showing through January 29, 2011 The layout wasn't in any particular order, so it was a surprise to move along the wall and see oldies and newbs depicted in such a funny fashion. There were definitely some conversation starter-pieces and then others were pretty straight forward. The prices were really reasonable and walking around the gallery was a fun alternative to hitting the bar scene. It's an awesome time-kill and a great way to make that trip to Pink's not strictly gluttonous!

    Kim H.

    Glad I finally got to check this place out! It is a small gallery that has a lot of art inspired by pop culture. The current exhibit that was posted up showed guns and swords that were based on things like Rick and Morty, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and more. I was really bummed when I found out about this place and realized I missed the Rick and Morty and IT exhibits. I was pleasantly surprised that there were a bunch of pieces from previous exhibits still on the racks that held more art. When I was flipping through it, a lot of the posters were very affordable. My friend ended up purchasing two pieces. This gallery is very nice and takes cash or card. It's small, clean, not crowded, and they just let you freely look at everything. It's next to a few food places and clothing stores. Tatsu Ramen is just a couple blocks away. It might be difficult to find parking though. We parked in a CVS parking structure about 4 blocks away for an hour for $8 cash only. The CVS offers cash back on purchases though. Cannot wait to come back again to see future exhibits and buy the No Face poster I saw!

    Slimmer plush toy
    Julie L.

    Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary Exhibit! Phenomenal and you get to take a picture with a huge Slimer! =D We came last night for opening night and the line was out the door and around the corner. I think we waited about 1.5 hours to get in. The gallery space itself is quite small. It's a long corridor with a counter at the very back to buy prints. Since there was such a large crowd, they were handing out numbers at the door. Once they call your number, you can go to back and order any prints you want. The exhibit was great. So many different types of Ghostbusters related art in different types of media. The prints were about $35 - $40. Bf said that is standard price. They were also selling Slimer toys and Ghostbusters T-shirts in the back. It really wanted to make me go home and watch the movies all over again. =) Also, heads up! Don't park on the residential street around the corner from the gallery. I think the time is limited and you have to have residential parking permit. Watch the signs or you might get a ticket!

    Unstitched Mitch
    Mylinh M.

    Super cool gallery with fun exhibits. The space is somewhat small but it's laid back and fun and features art one can actually purchase without having to be a former investment banker or frequent customer at Sotheby's. The art is creative and original and often inspired by 80's pop culture. We went to a He-Man exhibit here a year ago and just saw the Garbage Pail kids and both had some great pieces. They also have a annual cult film exhibit during August that I'll have to remember to catch next year. Come by and check this place out, it'll only take a few minutes and you might just find your next favorite artist.

    Remember Small Wonder?
    Bananas R.

    This place had fun modern art dating the last 2 decades. Come if you want a little chuckle! I bought the Bruce Willis print about pies, a Hanksy piece (pic to upload later...) They even gave me %15 off my purchase, but sorry... it was only a special that lasted for 2 days. WOnk.. wonk... but YAH ME!! Art, it's subjective, but I like it! Winkers! ;)

    Nostalgic cartoon art
    Elle E.

    I'm a big fan of Gallery 1988! The art here is always amazing. I do have my favorite artists, 100% Soft, and Dan Goodsell, among them, but I never cease to be impressed by everything in the gallery. Most recently, I went to peruse their Idiot Box 2 pieces (art inspired by television), and as a fan of TV and art it was really impressive to see the two meet so gloriously in each and every piece in the gallery. As a bonus the prints/paintings are pretty affordable. Sometimes as little as $20-$30 can get you something unique to hang in your home, or office, or wherever you deem most appropriate. And the staff here is pretty hands-off, but still accessible: a dream team, in my opinion. I cannot wait to go back for their next exhibit!

    Mr. Toast on Food

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    Gallery 1988 is a small gallery that usually features modern/post modern art shows. Usually sometime interesting.

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    Amazing place! Great staff! If you're into pop culture, you gotta check out this gallery!

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    The premier gallery that showcases only the best events!!! I love this place!!!!

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    Ask the Community - Gallery 1988

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    Had lunch at Urth Caffe with my daughter after the gym (still in our gym clothes) while walking…read moreback to our car we came across this cute looking store. Walked in, liked some things and bought some things. As we were ready to leave we noticed the wall in the back with the art displays. They have a beautiful piece with what looks like a woman in a turban or headpiece. They also have it painted on the wall. Considering it's permanently on the wall, think safe assumption, the woman behind desk would know the history of the painting. She said she didn't. And not in an I just work here kind of way but in a snobby tone. We got the impression she judged a book by its cover...like I said we were in gym clothes. She made it clear she had no interest in wasting her time on us. I'd like to go back and support the independent artists but not at the cost of a snob. I asked because I was interested in purchasing the painting but not after that encounter.

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    An Art Walk in Los Angeles should be expected to be a scene where culture and artful expression…read moreknows no boundaries and embraces established techniques, modern absurdity and the limitless quanity of weird in the globe to produce what moves emotion or in other words to produce art. And my recent trip to the Downtown LA Art Walk was exactly that a collection of techniques, practices, talents, mediums, and modes of communication that came together and landed to create an amorphous experience that was shaped, like clay, to create visual and sensory craftwork. There were different galleries offering different works. I will begin this review by naming some of my favorite. There was this gallery showing photography that was enhanced, played, or showcased light and that is where I found the dinosaurs of Cabezon come to life by the angles of a camera. I clipped the picture of the drawing (art inception) and it shows a long neck dinosaur that I want to call a jirrafasuaraus but I know that is wrong, walking toward a twilight colored horizon-- where the low of the sky was orange, layered above by a lemon-yellow strip of sky, then followed a soften almost transparent orange, with the rest of the sky being a early evening blue. I could not tell that the picture was fake. I do not want to say that I thought that Jurrasic Park was real, but, the picture did make me feel that the dessert has seen dinosaurs walking toward lovely sunsets. Another favorite was a negative of a picture of what looked like a swan floating in water that was completely black, like a swan swimming on black construction paper. But the only visible parts of the swan was is feathered body, its long neck, and regal tail. I could not see its eyes, I could not see its beak, I could not see its crest up high. The swan was averting the lens of the camera and yet the beauty of the swan was evident because its pure white ruffles were silent against a black backdrop. I could continue naming the pieces I like and why, but then the artwalk would becoming an art viewing. So I will conclude that I also saw a woman wearing a ruffled vest that dragged to the floor. It was inconvenient and kind of bulky, and maybe drag dirt along the train, but this was also art. I point that out because the show attracted people with style, and style on a body, is art, as everyone knows. There was also an apartment building that opens its doors. It offered a fondue fountain, chocolate, pool table, blackjack, and a giant arcade machine where one could play spade invader or pac-man. So the engagement level of Art Walk expanded to art one could make on the spot. And if you wonder how one makes art at a pool table--- then I suggest seeing a video of a player using a stick to make a ball jump to avoid one ball and hit the other. The movement is a type of ballet jump (a piroutte) that is prompted by a stick propulsion. If that is not artistic expression, then, a person living in a glass box suspended in air above the ground isn't either. As I walked the streets of LA, I also saw a truck that had four spotlights. I have always seen events that are signaled out by spotlights but now I know that these spotlights are ambulatory, and kind of, yes, art in their own way. They rose lights to the buildings side and to the night sky. The movement was a type of dance light, and I defy anyone to prove me wrong because at its core, art can never be truly define by words because, on its own, its a visual language.

    Fun experience going into these private artsy businesses and checking out their collection. This is…read morea well planned art walk where maps are included. You essentially just get lost going from one art studio to the next. It's everything about art into one event. Traffic can be difficult but once you're in, it doesn't even matter anymore. This was a fun experience.

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    I recently visited The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA and was genuinely moved by the current…read moreexhibition. The show reflects on the histories and legacies of post-Civil War America and how they still shape conversations today. It brings together decommissioned monuments -- many of them Confederate -- alongside contemporary works that were both borrowed and newly created for this exhibition. Seeing these monuments removed from their original outdoor settings and placed inside a gallery changes everything. Some are unmarred. Others are heavily vandalized. Each state of transformation tells its own story. It forces you to look at them not as background fixtures, but as objects with weight, history, and consequence. The contrast between the historical monuments and the contemporary responses is powerful. It's not an easy exhibition, and that's the point. It invites reflection, discomfort, and dialogue. If you're looking for something visually impressive and intellectually challenging, this is absolutely worth your time.

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    Gallery 1988 - galleries - Updated May 2026

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