With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos: Whimsical, Colorful Cartoon-Covered Building Won't Be Around For Much Longer
There are just three days left for you to visit a pop-up art show in a two-story historic building that's completely covered in vibrant, cartoon-like artwork from Australian duo DABSMYLA.
Husband and wife artists and collaborators Dabs and Myla painted inside and out the 4,000-square-foot Spanish Revival building belonging to Modernica, a manufacturer of midcentury-inspired furniture, out in Vernon (you know, the industrial town that inspired True Detective Season 2). Their art exhibit, "Before & Further," is like a magical playground, where you feel like you're inside the artists' whimsical world. Murals, framed paintings, statues and furniture are all covered in DABSMYLA's signature cheery style, and fill the building that was built in 1930. You might recognize their work from a longstanding huge mural in the Arts District that features a smiling cartoon milk carton.
Dabs & Myla, who both moved from Australia to L.A. in 2009, spoke to the L.A. Times about their "Before & Further" project, which took them eight straight weeks to complete:
Myla: We really like creating installations that people can experience. We are huge fans of Disneyland and love hidden things that you can find. Since people have been going to our show, they say they feel like they’re walking in to one of our paintings. That is what we wanted. Dabs: We wanted it to walk a fine line between feeling like a real house but not having the elements of a real house. We took a lot of inspiration from Case Study and midcentury modern homes so it feels like a 1950s house. It’s abstract and surreal. We wanted it to be interactive like a fun house but not over the top. We didn’t want those elements to overshadow the paintings.
Support for LAist comes from
"Before & Further" is held at the Modernica Factory located at 2901 Saco St. in Vernon. The exhibit is open from Thursday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Related:
Photos: Inside The Secret Abandoned Mansion Street Art Show
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.
Best of LAist