If you’ve ever made or received a mix tape, you know the amount of thought that goes into picking out the perfect track listing to express the right mood. It’s a lot like making a painting, actually— which is why art and music are perfect creative companions. BUST is pleased to sponsor a show that explores the relationship between artists and the music that guides them: MiXTAPE Los Angeles, opening August 4 in Los Angeles, CA, documents the creative processes of 24 artists who have titled their pieces after the songs, bands, or albums that inspired them.
Amanda Marie, “Blue-Green Arrow,” Yo La Tengo.
MiXTAPE Los Angeles is presented by Dark Dark Science, a “floating gallery” co-founded by artist and former Jack Off Jill front woman Jessicka Addams. Addams says, “There was time when you could simply pop in a tape and have a whole mood set for a journey. We want to recreate that experience – that feeling a mix tape brings not only for the person whole made it, but for the person who received it.”
Jessicka Addams, “A Fond Farewell,” Elliott Smith.
This journey in particular is an exciting one—the acclaimed artists on display include Camille Rose Garcia (“Los Angeles,” X, above), Fairuza Balk, and yes, Frances Bean Cobain (Cobain’s piece is inspired by The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Black”). The music, which Dark Dark Science has compiled into a mix available on iTunes, is also pretty killer; from Devo to Django Reinhardt, Neutral Milk Hotel to Nurse With Wound, Patti Smith, Elliott Smith, and more, these artist’s influences are as eclectic as their work. Attendees are invited to download the music to listen to as they view the show, but Jessicka also suggests giving it some room: “Listen to the mix tape on your drive home or in your own time to create your own personal journey.”
Christine Wu, “Land,” Patti Smith.
MiXTAPE Los Angeles kicks off Saturday, August 4, at LeBasse Projects in LA’s Chinatown. Guests will receive copies of the latest issue of BUST, and all the artwork in the show is available for purchase, with portions of the proceeds going to Downtown Dog Rescue and Stray Cat Alliance. The show will run until August 28, so stop by and get swept away—you’re bound to leave with some inspiration yourself.
Kris Knight, “She Hangs Brightly,” Mazzy Star.
