With a pinch of imagination and mysticism, Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s latest exhibit, “Fantasies and Fairytales,” blurs the line between reality and fiction with a range of pieces, each with distinct emotions.
LACMA’s newest installation, “Fantasies and Fairytales,” brilliantly investigates the role of fantasy and the reoccurrence of popular myths, legends and fairy tales in graphical pieces from the 1900’s. Each artist presents a distinct perspective of the world that transcends naturalistic representation.
The exhibit mirrors the ideals of Max Klinger, a German artist who published “Malerei und Zeichnung.” Klinger believed painting should depict beauty and nature, whereas printmaking and drawing should represent illusory states such as fantasy.
The exhibit consists of various prints and drawings each varying in style, from monochromatic prints to abstract drawings. The variations of style and artistic mediums demonstrates different culture’s interpretations of fairytales and introspectively presents the legends that belong to each society.
“Fantasies and Fairytales” features a variety of books packed with colorful depictions of myths and legends, as well as meticulous calligraphy. The inclusion of the books broadens the exhibit and provides a cultural aspect, as each piece is from a separate region.
The selected artworks provide for a vibrant display with an assortment of pieces with unique emotional connotations. Although each piece possesses a common theme of fantasy, each artwork evokes complex, passionate emotions. Some artworks illustrate horrifying myths, exuding terror so poignant that exhibit-goers are genuinely moved by the artworks.
The Ahmanson Building in LACMA served as an artistic setting for “Fantasies and Fairytales” due to an introspective setup. With ambient lighting, the atmosphere of the exhibit elegantly adds to the theme of fairytales and myths.
Clips of fairytale films directed by Lotte Reininger and Charles Bryant are included in the exhibit and provide a contemporary outlook on the subject of fantasy storytelling. However, the oddly-placed television near the entrance to a separate room has viewers crowding into the small area to catch a glimpse of the video.
Despite the minor misplacement of the film presentation, LACMA’s newest display produces an engaging experience with an assorted range of art, as well as a stunning representation of cultures. “Fantasies and Fairytales” pushes the boundaries of reality and creatively illustrates spiritual transcendence.
“Fantasies and Fairy Tales” is available for viewing until Feb. 3 in the second floor of the Ahmanson Building at LACMA, located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.
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