Hammer Blog

From the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) until today, the Chinese Foo Dog or Foo Lion has stood guard, with mystic powers to protect, in front of temples, imperial palaces, government offices, and homes of wealthy or high ranking members of society. Usually found in pairs, a male and a female, their mouths are wide open, seemingly roaring, and their faces have a devilish look to scare off evil spirits. The male’s right paw is resting on a woven ball that symbolizes the Earth and unity of the Chinese Empire, and the female has a cub beneath her paw, symbolizing nurturing and protecting the inhabitants of the building.

These guardian lions that have protected the structures and peoples of China for centuries are now faced with a new and previously unknown foe; the spirit of an imperialistic international popular consumer culture that is oblivious of the past and uncaring

The chefs at AMMO are excited to share their favorite recipes with you so that you can make them at home (and of course still enjoy them when you visit the Hammer). This Asparagus & Burrata appetizer is a special at AMMO for the month of March. From our chefs:
This time of year, the asparagus from the central coast is starting to come in, and this is a very simple recipe that showcases this vegetable in all its deliciousness.
It’s best to buy the asparagus from the farmers market for its freshness (usually harvested the day before) and superior quality.
The burrata we use is made by a local manufacturer (Caseficio Gioia) in the City of Industry and is available in most cheese stores. We suggest you use the best olive oil you can get your hands on, as well as Maldon sea salt.


THE RECIPE
(serves 4)

Take It or Leave It: Institution, Image, Ideology is the first large-scale exhibition to focus on the intersection of two vitally important genres of contemporary art: appropriation and institutional critique. The exhibition brings together works by thirty-six American artists who came to prominence between the late 1970s and the early 1990s.

See below for a list of all the Hammer's free public programs planned in conjunction with Take It or Leave It:


ANDREA FRASER: MAY I HELP YOU? | SAT MAR 8, 3:00PM
Andrea Fraser’s 1991 performance May I Help You? explores the relationship between cultural consumption and social class. During a 15-minute monologue, the performer shifts through six voices representing different perspectives on art. May I Help You? was originally performed at American Fine Arts Co. in New York City by actors posing as gallery staff in an exhibition of Allan McCollum’s Plaster Surrogates. Transposing the work to the galleries housing Take

I generally do not worry about the air quality in Beijing. I just go about my business and take precautions when needed. I did not move here for a life of great air; I came here for other reasons; the people, art, reinventing myself again, to build a cultural bridge between our countries, giving opportunities to the local emerging artists to exhibit their work here and abroad, etc. The Chinese people live, work, eat, and raise their families here and have no options for cleaner air and bluer skies. The immigrant workers must come to Beijing or other large cities to make money for their families back home. The artists come here as US artists have done over the decades, migrating to New York and Los Angeles for their careers. This is where I am called to be.

The US Embassy daily measures the air pollutants through an AQI

We are fascinated by the photos our visitors take of the objects and spaces at the Hammer. That's why we decided to launch Hammergram--a monthly round-up of our favorite visitor photos--in the hopes that they will inspire you to share your own Hammer experience with us!
The Hammer Museum welcomes visitors to take non-flash, personal-use photography (except where noted). Share your images with us by tagging @hammer_museum or #hammermuseum on Instagram or Twitter, and you could be featured in the next Hammergram!
Click to enlarge:

1. @tarafenwick gives Haim Steinbach's now you can afford to stop driving each other crazy a new perspective. [part of Take It or Leave It: Institution, Image, Ideology]
2. @velvetbarrock watches as a student volunteer adds on to Rirkrit Tiravanija's untitled 2014 (up against the wall motherfucker). [part of Take It or Leave It: Institution, Image, Ideology]
3. @kimberlyhahnart and her husband check out this LA Times