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Looking Back: ‘Life Is Beautiful’ Descends Upon Los Angeles
Foreword: 2018 is the ten-year anniversary of Mr. Brainwash’s seminal debut show in Los Angeles. Here’s a look back at my first impressions from opening night.
originally posted June 18, 2008
Speculation aside that he is a puppet of the British artist, Banksy, Mr. Brainwash has finally launched his debut solo exhibit, hosting it inside the former CBS production studios in Hollywood.
Impressive by virtue of its sheer volume, the highly derivative, self-deprecating collection offers a wide range of sculptures, paintings, frescoes, silk-screens and set constructions. Though there are hundreds, if not thousands, of individual components in the show, the work should really be seen as a single installation piece: an immersive three-dimensional universe populated by easily recognized icons of pop art that have been remixed, recycled and recreated through the mischievous eyes of a street artist.
The skillful mimicry on display reveals a sly sense of humour while its coy cross-cultural references practically scream out for ridicule. It is as if one has opened up an art history volume only to discover that it has been given a playful and thorough once-over by the mayhem-embracing designers of video games, such as Grand Theft Auto.
