FRIDAY, NOV. 1

Los Angeles born and raised graphic artist Michael Bermudez is fascinated by the duality of life and death. Not an unusual creative inspiration, but his abstract art is notably less morbid and haunting than others who’ve been inspired by the same subject.

His upcoming exhibition, “Balance Through Chaos” will feature a melding of the left and right brain onto canvas in a retrospective of paintings that mix mathematical, scientific and musical elements with vibrant colors, textures and geometric shapes. The reception will be livened by improvised music performances from Toaster Music, a spacey electronic music duo comprised of local artists and musicians Sumako Sozdatel and Sander Roscoe Wolff (who will be completing the spacey vibe with kaleidoscope art projections).

Also joining them will be a dance performance by experimental dance troupe, Maha and Company.

Another great thing: This show is in conjunction with Bixby Knolls’ First Fridays and art walk at the Expo Arts Center. So, after you stroll through the gallery, you can also enjoy the rest of the blocks-long event filled with live music entertainment and street vendors. Plus, many of the shops, bars and restaurants along the strip of Atlantic Avenue will be open a little later than usual.

Giving us a moment’s pause: We’re banking that Bermudez’s favorite number is 23, and his favorite series of numbers is the Fibonacci sequence.

Bixby Knolls First Fridays runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. along Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls between Bixby Ave. and 45th St. This exhibition, held in the North Gallery at Expo Arts Center at 4321 Atlantic Ave., will only be open to the public on Nov. 1, so if you are unable to make it you can schedule an appointment to see the show until Nov. 8. For more information including hours and performance schedules, click here.