Time & Place: Los Angeles 1957–1968

In conjunction with Moderna Museet’s 50th anniversary in 2008, three concentrated exhibitions direct attention to cultural hotspots of the 60s. The Time & Place series investigates the period when Moderna Museet was created from an international perspective, by presenting a selection of work covering art, architecture, design, films and music, which have never before been shown together in Sweden. The two previous parts of the series, Rio de Janeiro and Milan/Turin, were shown earlier this year. The final Time & Place exhibition points a spotlight on Los Angeles. The Curator is Lars Nittve, Director of Moderna Museet.

Time & Place: Los Angeles, 1957-1968 focuses on the altogether special interplay between utopia and dystopia that characterises creativity in Los Angeles during the post-war period. The dream of ‘sun and surf’ and happiness in Hollywood, is juxtaposed with the exploitation of people and dreams. This interplay has come to have an important role in today’s art too, where Los Angeles artists have won a prominent place in the past decade.

Work by Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, Edward Kienholz, Sam Francis and Robert Irwin, as well as artists from the beat generation and pop-minimalists in the Finish Fetish circles, are the natural core of exhibition, however the concept is also reflected in the films of the era and not least in its architecture. This includes the Case Study House Program, along with master photographer Julius Shulman’s iconic architectural images.

Complete artists list: Kenneth Anger, John Baldessari, Larry Bell, Billy Al Bengston, Ed Bereal, Wallace Berman, Vija Celmins, Judy Chicago, Llyn Foulkes, Sam Francis, Joe Goode, George Herms, David Hockney, Dennis Hopper, Robert Irwin, Craig Kauffman, Edward Kienholz, Pierre Koenig, John McCracken, Ken Price, Ed Ruscha, Julius Shulman, James Turrell, Doug Wheeler.

Time & Place exhibition architect: Shideh Shaygan

Curators: Lars Nittve with Lena Essling