Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Netflix HQ Gets A New Face -- A Mosaic Made Of 39,000 Steel Sequins
"SPECTRUM" at Netflix headquarters in Hollywood. (courtesy Kilroy Realty)
()
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.
Attending a grand unveiling right now isn't a great idea (social distance, everyone), so public art reveals are going virtual in the time of COVID-19. That includes the new site-specific piece, "SPECTRUM," on Netflix's Hollywood campus, which makes its debut today. The piece, a mosaic made up of 39,000 stainless steel sequins, reflects light in a way that resembles -- appropriately enough -- a woman's face on a giant video screen.
Arist Maggie West. (Courtesy Kilroy Realty)
()
Los Angeles-based artist/photographer Maggie West works in bright, glowing images. "SPECTRUM" is meant to explore gender expression, with the young woman intentionally depicted as androgynous. West has often worked to bring attention to causes she believes in. Her previous work includes a series on the gender spectrum and portraits inspired by body positivity and modern womanhood.
Support for LAist comes from
"I think of 'Spectrum' as a new, revisioned take on a classic Hollywood portrait," West said in a statement. "This is my first public art piece that will be a permanent part of the landscape, and as someone who lived in Hollywood for over 10 years, it really means a lot to be doing a piece which is going to be here for years and years to come."
You can watch the virtual reveal online here at 10 a.m., with the program repeating on a loop until 4 p.m. The live reveal includes video interviews, live chats, behind-the-scenes footage, and aerial cinematography of the installation itself.
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
It's part of a collaboration with the company that owns the real estate where Netflix's headquarters, along with the rest of the accompanying "On Vine" campus, is based. (Netflix also has space at Sunset Bronson Studios in Hollywood.)
Support for LAist comes from
"Now more than ever, we need avenues that inspire," Kilroy Realty CEO John Kilroy said in a press release. "In a post-pandemic world, the role of public art will be even more important."
"SPECTRUM" is also meant to pay tribute to Hollywood's heritage, according to Kilroy. It's placed next to the Netflix entrance.
"'SPECTRUM' augments the design on so many different levels, and in this case the architecture and the art become one," project architect Joey Shimoda said in a press release.
"SPECTRUM," as seen from the street. (Courtesy Kilroy Realty)
()
The combination of the art and the building's entry creates what Shimoda called "a singular experience," taking visitors through "a six-story high passage into the building."
West's art has been seen in cultural institutions such as the California Academy of Sciences, as well as being used by brands and celebrities.
As the piece awaited its big reveal, it was covered with a message that encouraged people to "be curious." It will likely be viewed by many others once the curious can more freely move about the city once again.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist