This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
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.
Air Conditioned & Anonymous
The Hammer Museum has free admission all summer. And it's air conditioned. Of course, the galleries are organized around a central courtyard, but last weekend, when the rest of the city was as scorching as it was today, that little courtyard felt like an oasis of shade and calm. Parking in the building costs $3 with the Hammer's validation, or there's a Metro Rapid stop right outside. They've also got some cool nighttime events going this summer, including this indie rock concert series.
The current marquee exhibition, Société Anonyme, displays modernist and Dada works collected by Katherine Dreier and Marcel Duchamp. Artists whose work is displayed included Marcel Duchamp and several of his siblings, Man Ray, Jean Arp, and a work each by Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. Many of the paintings and sculptures from this period between the world wars are about motion and technology.
On the other hand, Lotte Reiniger's The Adventures of Prince Achmed (played on a monitor in the exhibit, and also available on Netflix) uses motion and technology to tell an old story. The exhibition card advises, "Reiniger produced the film independently using her own innovative multiplane camera, which separates foreground and background layers to produce a 3D illusion." The effect suggests Indonesian shadow puppets, or an animated, less politicized version of Kara Walker's silhouettes.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
