Arts

Since targeting the current administration in his art, 74-year-old Robbie Conal has never been more prolific. He's completed almost 40 paintings of President Trump and the people in his orbit — "more than I've ever done in any year, in the last 20 years

'Visionary, Not Reactionary': Artists Take Political Commentary To Streets And Skies

2:42pm October 14, 2018

by Mandalit del Barco

Between street art and a new initiative bringing artist-designed billboards to all 50 states, more people are breaking out of the bubble to express their views on today's divisive political climate.

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Books
Arts

In 'Scribe,' A World Haunted By Absences

10:00am October 14, 2018

by Jason Sheehan

Alyson Hagy's new dystopian novel paints an America torn apart by war and plague, leaving little of the past intact. It's a lean, hungry book that draws on Appalachian folk myths, mercilessly told.

Watch out for Merlina — she'll steal your lunch with no regrets.

'The Ravenmaster' Is Definitely (There) For The Birds

8:00am October 14, 2018

by Petra Mayer

Legend says that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, England will fall. Luckily, ravenmaster Chris Skaife is there to care for them, and he's got a new book about these extraordinary birds.

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Books
Arts

'The Witch Elm' Starts Slow, Then Sucks You In

7:00am October 14, 2018

by Bethanne Patrick

Tana French's new standalone novel packs a lot of character and background information into the first few chapters, but the atmosphere and dialogue will keep you turning pages as the mystery unfolds.

Chris Rock's 1996 HBO special helped him become a major star.

Arts

How 'Bring The Pain' Brought Chris Rock Superstar Fame

6:00am October 14, 2018

by Eric Deggans

A new A&E documentary highlights the stand-up comedian's breakout HBO special.

Vijay Gupta is a violinist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic whose life's work has been to make music accessible to all. That passion caught the attention of others and this year he was awarded a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship.

MacArthur Fellow Vijay Gupta On Making Music Accessible For All

6:49pm October 13, 2018

Violinist and social justice advocate Vijay Gupta, one of the 2018 winners of the MacArthur Fellowship, speaks about his work in under-resourced communities in Los Angeles and what's next.

Arts

Playwright Sarah Jones Takes On The Sex Industry In 'Sell/Buy/Date'

6:14pm October 13, 2018

Sell/Buy/Date is a one-woman-play about the sex industry. NPR's Shereen Marisol Meraji speaks with playwright Sarah Jones about how she portrays 19 different characters.

Books
Arts

For October, 3 Romances To Keep You On The Path To Happily Ever After

10:00am October 13, 2018

by Maya Rodale

A good romance is an easy read, but a tough emotional journey for the characters. This month, we're showcasing three books that'll keep you flipping pages through all the highs and lows along the way.

Smoke engulfs the Los Angeles Public Library on April 29, 1986. Susan Orlean tells the story of the fire in The Library Book.

Books
Arts

Mystery Of A Massive Library Fire Remains Unsolved After More Than 30 Years

8:05am October 13, 2018

by Scott Simon

On April 29, 1986, fire tore through Los Angeles' Central Library — more than one million books were damaged or destroyed. Susan Orlean tells the story of the suspected arson in The Library Book.

Books
Arts

'Heavy': Kiese Laymon's Memoir Examines How People Absorb Trauma

8:05am October 13, 2018

NPR's Scott Simon talks to Kiese Laymon about his relationship with his mother as well as his addiction to food and gambling. Both are documented in his new book, "Heavy: An American Memoir."