It’s impossible to rate a store like this because it’s more than a store – it’s a part of LA “post-pop culture” and has been since 1971. It’s a local institution. I feel guilty that I haven’t visited Soap Plant/Wacko/La Luz De Jesus Gallery in ages (it’s embarrassing to admit how long it’s been). La Luz De Jesus helped shape the LA art scene. Soap Plant and Wacko continue to carry offbeat, quirky, counterculture kitschy items. They all have the same owner; he’s moved the shops around a few times and opened a new art gallery in Pasadena. You can see from the colorful outside that the inside is going to interesting.
There are lots of books, including a section devoted to tiki, circus freaks, Edward Gorey (he would love this store), art, zombies, robots, aliens, etc. They also have a huge selection of dolls, taxidermy, jewelry, pins, sticker, purses, clothing, socks, keychains, posters, skulls, masks, unicorns, cookie cutters, incense, soaps, toys, etc.
La Luz De Jesus is two rooms now. The current shows feature alien art and kids smoking cigarettes.
