What's Buzzing at LACMA?

     Recently, while perusing the LA County Museum of Art, our very own David Harris came across some very mesmerizing “buzz.” But not in the form of the juicy Hollywood chatter characteristic to the area. The sound he was hearing was literally buzz: the collective drone of over 100,000 miniature toy cars circulating through a model metropolis. He had discovered artist and sculptor Chris Burden’s visionary toy-car megalopolis project “Metropolis II.” After four years of work, Burden continues to tinker with his unfinished project: a contemporary model city featuring a weaving road circuit in which cars travel up to 230 mph: Slot cars on steroids. When witnessed first hand, Metropolis II is both visually and audibly awe-inspiring, the ongoing product of a mind that is unafraid to follow an artistic vision to extreme ends.

     But beneath its impressive physical presence and complex design lives Burden’s inspiration for the piece: a sentimental outlook on childhood that is evident in his overarching philosophy as an artist. Burden has been using toys in his art since the 1970s, claiming that the tools used to inculcate children into adults are a revealing reflection of society. The manner in which children use and ultimately discard toys represents a valuable insight to the passing of time and the shifting of eras.

     Despite his lofty philosophy, one thing is for certain: Burden’s Metropolis II is a truly impressive piece of art. Unique in its perpetual exuberance, Burden successfully evokes the energy of a modern city while using pieces that are quite elementary. For a child with creative aspirations and a slot car set at home, a visit to the metropolis at LACMA could be stimulating, inspiring and maybe even life changing. Hey-at the very least it will bring Dad back to the glory days of playing with his childhood train set.

     The LA County Museum of Art is super kid friendly, and is definitely a must-see if you are looking for quality family time during a trip out west. 





Check out a brief documentary on Metropolis II below…