“I definitely need to get out more.”
That’s what I said the moment I stepped foot inside LACMA – The LA County Museum of Art. The realization that I hadn’t been there in 3 years (or any museum, for that matter) surprised and disappointed me. Isn’t the point of being a designer/creative person to be able to go on these “work” excursions regularly?
Yes. For all the headaches, heartaches and lost sleep you get when you’re a passionate person, you deserve to be able to waste a few days a month wandering stores and museums in the name of research.
So with a big slap across my own face, I promised that this was the beginning of a new phase where I get dressed and leave my home more days than not. By the time I got done berating myself, we had arrived at the front door of the exhibit we drove up to see. California Design, 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way.
As a designer in Southern California, I developed an interest in Mid-Century design early in design school. But also, as with many designers, I’ve tired of the look since it’s so prevalent around here – not to mention that the term “Mid-Century Modern” is highly overused AND the sheer number of knockoffs is exhausting.
So it was really nice to get a little crash course reminder of why this period is so significant in art and design history and to see some iconic (and impressive) pieces up close and personal. It certainly re-ignited some passion.
Here are some of my favorite pieces from the show.
I love the typography of these college course books.
This stereo sideboard is “the bees knees” (is that period appropriate?).
I was surprised and excited to see that this exhibit included the living room of the Eames Case Study house. The Eames house has been closed to the public since Ray Eames died in 1988 but they do allow people on the grounds of the home – a couple years ago I took a trip up there and, thanks to their liberal use of glass, was able to get a pretty good tour from the exterior. So it was strangely familiar to see all of their interior furnishings had been transported and accurately placed (inch by inch) in a reproduction home.
I’m digging this multi-functional dining/coffee table. So simple and yet so effective.
Creepy and cool, the Rib Chair by Arthur Espenet Carpenter
I was most fascinated with the story behind why and how this form of design began. The biggest reason was the rapid boom in population – people moving west from hardship and artist emigres escaping their war-torn countries. I really tried to get a good photo of this, but the glare was too tough a contender. Still, it’s a powerful shot.
These are the cross-streets of Fairfax and Robertson, the location of LACMA. They were taken just 7 years apart.
Whoa, right?
This exhibit is awesome, and you should go see it. BUT it’s only 1 of 60 museums in Southern California with exhibits dedicated to this historic time. The collective is called Pacific Standard Time - whether you want to see the complete Eames collection or printmaking and graphic design, there is an exhibit for that. Check it out.
More cool stuff:
