Urban Light Installation

Overview

At the entrance to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) stands 'Urban Light', an iconic public art installation that has become an unofficial symbol of Los Angeles. Created by the late artist Chris Burden, this mesmerizing sculpture features 202 antique cast-iron street lamps, meticulously restored to their former glory. These lamps, sourced primarily from Southern California streets from the 1920s and 1930s, form a distinctive grid that captivates visitors both day and night. 'Urban Light' offers a unique blend of history, art, and urban heritage, providing a welcoming and contemplative space for all. The installation is freely accessible to the public 24 hours a day, inviting a constant flow of curious travelers and locals alike to experience its timeless glow.

History & Cultural Background

Chris Burden, known for his thought-provoking and often intense performance art, embarked on a different kind of artistic journey when he began collecting street lamps in December 2000. The initial spark for 'Urban Light' came serendipitously at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, where a curator's son, Max Schimmel, pointed out a vendor selling disassembled vintage street lamps. Burden spent seven years amassing these historical artifacts, ultimately gathering 202 unique pieces.

The lamps themselves are more than mere objects; they are vestiges of Los Angeles's past, having once illuminated various neighborhoods across Southern California, including Hollywood, Glendale, and Anaheim. Burden's vision was to transform these utilitarian objects into a monumental artwork, one that would serve as a 'formal entryway' to LACMA. He aimed to reconnect the museum with the city, a sentiment echoed by LACMA CEO Michael Govan, who once described the experience of walking through 'Urban Light' as akin to 'walking through an ancient temple' – an 'honest-to-goodness Los Angeles temple made of local materials'. Burden intended the sculpture to symbolize a civilized and sophisticated city, safe and beautiful after dark, embodying a collective sense of place and memory.

What Makes It Special

'Urban Light' is distinguished by its sheer scale and the meticulous curation of its components. The installation comprises 202 individual street lamps, showcasing 16 different models, each with its own intricate cast-iron design and varied glass globes in round, acorn, or cone shapes. Despite their diverse origins, Burden had all the lamps painted a uniform neutral gray. This deliberate choice draws attention away from individual colors and towards the unique forms and ornamentation of each lamp, allowing their historical craftsmanship to shine.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the installation is a marvel of sustainable engineering. Originally using incandescent bulbs, the entire array was upgraded to energy-efficient LED bulbs in 2018, coinciding with its 10th anniversary. This significant improvement, supported by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, resulted in approximately 90% power savings while maintaining the desired luminosity. The 309 LED bulbs are solar-powered and are programmed to switch on every night from dusk until dawn, regulated by an astronomical timer that adjusts to local sunrise and sunset. This ensures that the sculpture transforms into a radiant 'building with a roof of light' as darkness falls, offering a different, equally enchanting experience than its daytime presence.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The origin story of 'Urban Light' is punctuated by charming details, such as the role of 11-year-old Max Schimmel in pointing out the first two antique street lamps to Chris Burden at a flea market, inadvertently setting the artist on his seven-year collecting quest. Since its unveiling in 2008, 'Urban Light' has rapidly transcended its status as an artwork to become a cultural landmark and a ubiquitous feature in popular media. It has appeared in numerous films, including 'No Strings Attached' and 'Valentine's Day', music videos, and television shows, solidifying its place in the visual lexicon of Los Angeles.

The installation's enduring popularity is also evident in its frequent presence across social media platforms. It's a hotspot for photographers, selfie-takers, and TikTok creators, all drawn to its photogenic qualities, especially when the lamps are illuminated against the night sky. Burden himself embraced the interactive nature of his work, intending for visitors to walk freely among the lamp posts, touch them, and immerse themselves in the 'forest of lights' he created.

Visitor Perspective

Experiencing 'Urban Light' is an engaging journey into public art and civic history. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the grid of lamps, observing the intricate details of each unique piece up close. The sculpture's accessibility, being open 24 hours a day and free of charge, makes it a welcoming destination for spontaneous visits and planned excursions alike.

While beautiful during the day, the installation truly comes alive at dusk. As the solar-powered LED lights flicker on, they cast a warm, inviting glow, transforming the space into a magical, almost theatrical, environment. This transition offers a perfect backdrop for photography and moments of quiet contemplation. The interactive nature, allowing direct engagement with the artwork, fosters a strong connection between the visitor and the history embedded within each recycled lamp. It is a place where art, history, and community converge, providing a memorable and distinctly Los Angeles experience.