It's now open — 'Cars are Beautiful: Mr Brainwash @ the Petersen'

(November 27, 2024) LOS ANGELES  — The Petersen Automotive Museum's final exhibit of the year, “Cars Are Beautiful: Mr Brainwash @ the Petersen," is now open in the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery. The installation transforms the gallery into a fully immersive celebration of the automobile through the lens of contemporary artist Mr Brainwash, including imaginative interpretations of iconic cars, engaging hands-on pieces, and an explosion of colors and unique creations.
 


Highlighted pieces in the exhibit include:

    •    "Brainwashed," a life-sized interactive Matchbox Fiat 500, offers an ideal photo opportunity.
    •    “Furry Fiat,” a Fiat 500 covered in pink faux fur, provides a tactical experience.
    •    “Dream Car” is a sculpture divided into four sections, each representing a different luxury brand: Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Porsche and Ferrari. It fuses these four iconic vehicles together into what Mr Brainwash envisions as a car enthusiast’s dream.
    •    “Rubik’s,” a massive Rubik’s Cube with each cube filled with multi-colored cars.
    •    “Time Machine,” a Mini Cooper completely surrounded by books, symbolizes the spirit of adventure and freedom while highlighting the deep connection between books and cars.
    •    “Childhood Dream,” an interactive display inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, turns a bedroom into a fully immersive space.
    •    “The Thinkcar,” an interpretation of the iconic “Thinker” sculpture by Auguste Rodin with a creative automotive twist.
    •    “Big Little Car” pays homage to the nostalgic Little Tikes child’s car scaled up to 10-feet tall.
    •    “Tired Victory” reinterprets the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” from the Louvre, using real tires to bring new life to this ancient symbol of triumph.
    •    Plus more than a dozen iconic paintings with hidden automotive touches.

“This is truly a dream come true. I’m honored to have my very own display at the Petersen,” said Brainwash. “Seeing the joy in everyone’s eyes is priceless for me. I wanted this display to have no limitations so everyone can be one with the art.” 
 

Los Angeles-based artist Thierry Guetta, better known by his byname Mr Brainwash, has been a key figure in the street and contemporary art scenes for over two decades. His distinctive style blends graffiti, printmaking, stenciling, painting and sculpture.

Mr Brainwash’s artworks are known for conveying a sense of playfulness and wonder. Guetta first gained notoriety following his successful debut solo exhibition, "Life is Beautiful," in 2008. Later, he gained widespread recognition for his appearance in the critically acclaimed documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop," by Banksy.
 


“This exhibit is unlike anything we’ve ever done before," said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “Mr Brainwash’s creativity offers an unparalleled and exciting perspective on cars, and we love having our visitors get up close and personal with these works of art.”
 

“Cars Are Beautiful: Mr Brainwash @ the Petersen” will be displayed until 2026.