Los Angeles is at the forefront of cutting-edge exhibits and the best of the old and new world collections. Here’s a sampling of the newest offerings.

Japanese American National Museum (JANM)
Giant Robot Biennale: 50 Issues
Now - Jan. 13, 2008
369 E. First St., Los Angeles
In celebration of the 50th issue of the pop-culture magazine Giant Robot, the exhibit features works by 10 cutting-edge artists from around the country.
www.janm.org

Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
©Murakami
Now - Feb. 11, 2008
250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Features more than 90 pop culture and anime works by internationally renowned Takashi Murakami. The exhibit also includes a preview of his new animated film, kaikai & kiki.
www.moca.org

Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM)
Mystical Creatures & Characters: Tales from Around the World
Jan. 20, 2008 - May 18, 2008
5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
Historic marionettes and contemporary puppets from the Conservatory of Puppetry Arts (COPA) depict the heroes and villains of fairy tales and legends.
www.cafam.org

The Hammer Museum
Kara Walker: My Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, My Love
March 2, 2008 - June 8, 2008
10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
Kara Walker has risen to international prominence for visually stunning works that challenge conventional narratives of American history and the antebellum South.
www.hammer.ucla.edu

-Bill Karz