Stanley Kubrick at LACMA

Stanley Kubrick was known for transforming genres that he worked in by taking full control of his projects. The exhibition covers the span of Kubrick’s works, starting from his photographs for Look magazine in 40s, and continuing with his amazing directorial practices from the 1950s through the 1990s.

His films will be  portrayed through a selection of scripts, production photography, lenses and cameras, set models, costumes, and props. In addition, the exhibition features two projects that Kubrick never completed: Napoleon and The Aryan Papers.

Exhibit opens for public on November 1, 2012 at LACMA.

Quick Spin Through Metropolis II

It’s no secret around these parts that I’m a big Chris Burden fan. So of course I’ve been breathlessly awaiting the unveiling of his newest sculpture, Metropolis II at LACMA. Still photos don’t do it justice, but hopefully myimages and words can entice you to go see it in person. Which you must!

It’s gigantic: It takes up an entire room at LACMA. And it’s loud.

1,100 customized Hot Wheels cars move up a conveyor belt and then are released down 18 plastic tracks.

It’s like the 405 + the 101 + the 5 + the 10.

25 skyscrapers are made from everything from Legos to slotted stacking cards like the Eames Office designed.

An operator has to stand at the center to make sure no cars get flipped over or fly off the tracks. That’s also why it can only run for 90 minutes at a time, a few days a week.

Here’s LACMA’s Michael Govan talking to Chris Burden.

Some parts don’t really look that different from downtown LA.

Run, don’t walk to see this! Well, I suppose it would be appropriate to drive to this exhibition. As long as you don’t get stuck in traffic. Hours of operation here.

Read my review in the LA Weekly (there’s also a video there).

More Metropolis II photos.

Rodarte Exhibit at LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) presents the  debut of RODARTE: Fra Angelico Collection. American designers, Kate and Laura Mulleavya gifted 10 fabulous gowns from their Spring|Summer 2012 couture collection to the museum’s renowned Costume and Textiles Department.  At LACMA, the Rodarte gowns are surrounded by classic Renaissance artworks, due to the fact that they were inspired by frescoes painted by the early Italian Renaissance artist, Fra Angelico Rodarte uses a variety of different silk fabrics, sequins, feathers and swarovski elements, breastplates and headpieces to dramatically complete the look of gowns.

Photos: via Lacma.org

Coffee Table Must-Have

If you're looking for a great holiday gift for your designophile friend (everyone's got at least one, right?) for under $100, look no further. The California Design, 1930-1965: "Living in a Modern Way" is a monstrous 360-page beauty that'll make any coffee table look exquisite. See how design ranging from architecture to fashion and beyond was defined by the laid-back Californian lifestyle. The book is definitely worth $60 and is absolutely on my want list! Below are a few images from the book.