Artist Mr. Brainwash Has a New Car-Themed Exhibit at Petersen Museum
Just to your right as you enter the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, inside the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery where all the 'artsy' exhibits go, is a really fun, or maybe really weird new exhibit.
Depends on your point of view.
'Cars Are Beautiful: Mr. Brainwash @ the Petersen,' is a whimsical collection of artworks, both paintings as well as cars and a few things in between, that will have you either laughing in bemusement or tearing up your museum membership card and demanding a refund. But it's almost certainly the former.
The museum calls it 'a fully immersive celebration of the automobile through the lens of contemporary artist Mr. Brainwash, including imaginative interpretations of iconic cars, engaging hands-on pieces, and an explosion of colors and unique creations.'
Consider some of the the exhibits, as the Petersen describes them:
'Brainwashed,' a life-sized interactive Matchbox Fiat 500, offers an ideal photo opportunity.
'Furry Fiat,' a Fiat 500 covered in pink faux fur, provides a tactical experience.
'Dream Car' is a sculpture divided into four sections, each representing a different luxury brand: Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ferrari. It fuses these four iconic vehicles together into what Mr. Brainwash envisions as a car enthusiast's dream.
'Rubik's,' a massive Rubik's Cube with each cube filled with multi-colored cars.
'Time Machine,' a Mini Cooper completely surrounded by books, symbolizes the spirit of adventure and freedom while highlighting the deep connection between books and cars.
'Childhood Dream,' an interactive display inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, turns a bedroom into a fully immersive space.
'The Thinkcar,' an interpretation of the iconic 'Thinker' sculpture by Auguste Rodin with a creative automotive twist.
'Big Little Car' pays homage to the nostalgic Little Tikes child's car scaled up to 10 ft. tall.
'Tired Victory' reinterprets the 'Winged Victory of Samothrace' from the Louvre, using real tires to bring new life to this ancient symbol of triumph.
Plus more than a dozen iconic paintings with hidden automotive touches.
My favorite is the Brainwash takeoff on Van Gogh's 'Bedroom in Arles.' The original painting on which artist Thierry Guetta, AKA Mr. Brainwash, based this work has brilliant blue colors depicting the simple, minimalist bedroom at 2, Place Lamartine in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France.
Guetta, who was born in France but now lives in Los Angeles, does a remarkable full-sized, three-dimensional recreation of the room and the beautiful colors from the painting (I happened to see it a few months ago in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, btw).
But in place of Van Gogh's simple bed, Guetta has placed one of those kiddie beds shaped like a race car. It's so cool you want to curl up in it and go to sleep, dreaming of racing.
Guetta is a well-established character in the art world. His website, mrbrainwash.com, lists a few accomplishments: 'Mr. Brainwash has designed album covers for Madonna, Rick Ross, and KYGO. His artwork was featured in films and television productions such as Molly's Game, Billions, Shameless, and The Kardashians.
'Mr. Brainwash's talents are showcased in creative partnerships with powerhouse brands like Hublot, Coca-Cola, and Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee. He also collaborated with world-known soccer player Pelé, who joined the artist in splattering paint on select artwork.'
He seems to be having a good time.
'This is truly a dream come true. I'm honored to have my very own display at the Petersen,' he said. 'Seeing the joy in everyone's eyes is priceless for me. I wanted this display to have no limitations so everyone can be one with the art.'
The Petersen describes Guetta's approach thusly: 'His distinctive style blends graffiti, printmaking, stenciling, painting, and sculpture. Mr. Brainwash's artworks are known for conveying a sense of playfulness and wonder.'
The museum, for its part, seems to be enjoying the whole thing, too.
'This exhibit is unlike anything we've ever done before," said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. 'Mr. Brainwash's creativity offers an unparalleled and exciting perspective on cars, and we love having our visitors get up close and personal with these works of art.'
'Cars Are Beautiful' will be on display until 2026. To purchase tickets or for more information about the Petersen, go toPetersen.org/exhibits.
Do you know much about art? Do you like this display at the Petersen? Let us know below.
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- AutomotiveEntertainment#CarsAreBeautiful:Mr.Brainwash,MatchboxFiat500,FurryFiat,Fiat500,DreamCar,Rubik's,Rubik'sCube,TimeMachine,MiniCooper,ChildhoodDream,TheThinkcar,Thinker,BigLittleCar,TiredVictory,WingedVictoryofSamothrace,BedroominArles,Mr.Brainwash,Guetta,VanGogh,VincentVanGogh,AugusteRodin,LittleTikes,ThierryGuetta,Madonna,Petersen,PetersenAutomotiveMuseum,ArmandHammerFoundationGallery,Mercedes-Benz,Lamborghini,Porsche,Ferrari,Louvre,Museed'Orsay
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