avant-garde

Assumption: “Nickel Boys” is too avant-garde to earn a best picture nomination.

The Atlanta rapper has accomplished something comparable to what Tyler, the Creator has done in L.A. over the years — build a self-contained universe around the intersection of uncompromising hip-hop, “Hesher” dirtbag aesthetics and avant-garde fashion.

Over the weekend, the avant-garde orchestra Wild Up hosted five “Democracy Sessions,” presented by the Museum of Contemorary Art in its Warehouse performance space at the Geffen Contemporary.

Called upon to play New Orleans music, swing, bebop, avant-garde, fusion, modal jazz, jazz rock, acid-jazz and more, he responded with extraordinary skill and imagination.

Lloyd modernizes the stagecraft, injecting avant-garde intrigue into what is ultimately a commercial enterprise.