06/14/08
Text: Chau Tu
When you spend enough time with a certain group of people, you can often get enveloped into their ideals and lifestyles, inspired by their beliefs and their deeds. Assuredly, this isn’t the story of a strange hippie cult, but instead of Mr. Brainwash, a.k.a. MBW, and his relationship with the counterculture world of street art.
MBW began as French filmmaker Thierry Guetta, spending much of the last decade documenting the often-risky lives of graffiti artists all over the world. Soon, Guetta became motivated to drop the camera and start making his own subversive art. Taking after fellow colleagues Banksy and Shepard Fairey, MBW’s works often voice a sarcastic and biting look at popular culture and politics. For instance, there is the billboard hanging outside of the former CBS studios in Hollywood, where MBW’s first solo show is taking place on Wednesday, portraying presidential candidates Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain donned in Warhol-esque Marilyn Monroe hair and makeup.
The show, named “Life is Beautiful” and being exhibited for three days, is sure to include more satirical remarks among the hundred-plus paintings, sculptures and prints. There will also be a bar, a live jazz band and DJs, one of which will be none other than supporter Fairey. And who knows, maybe the ever-elusive Banksy will show up as well. See for yourself, and maybe you too will be inspired to join the cult. Of street art, that is.
Wednesday, June 18: 7 - 11 PM
Thursday, June 19: 1 - 9 PM
Sunday, June 22: 1 - 5 PM
6121 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
