Artist Lani Trock created an installation, “the unified field,” with various plants and meditation cushions for the Department of Cultural Affairs’ exhibit, “Loitering is delightful.” (photo courtesy of Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery)

The city of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs exhibition, “Loitering is delightful,” is on view at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park through Jan. 12.

Bringing together ten L.A. artists, “Loitering is delightful” explores the joyful possibilities of slowing down in the fast-paced digital age and reflects on public space and who is entitled to occupy it.

During their takeover of Alcatraz in the 1970s, the American Indian Movement showed how occupying space can be a political act. Artist Ishi Glinsky drew on the history of this protest and the rich iconography of tribal cultures to produce a 10-foot-tall faux leather jacket, invoking loitering as a political statement and an act of counter-cultural defiance.

The exhibition also features multimedia, including videos by artist Cauleen Smith, which document her making a flower arrangement in her studio: one with blue and yellow flowers, the colors of prison scrubs for men and women, and another in orange, the color of federal prison jumpers.

An installation by Lani Trock is displayed in the center of the gallery and features hanging bougainvillea, hydroponics plants and meditation cushions.

Artist Megan Whitmarsh produced another installation comprised of hand-sewn textile sculptures and cushions with hanging fabric plants. A fabric newspaper features excerpts of various texts relevant to the exhibition themes.

The Los Angeles Municipal Gallery is located at 4800 Hollywood Blvd. For information, call (323)644-6269, or visit lamag.org.