'Farewell, Work Holiday Parties': Alex Prager's All-Too-Real Art Installation at LACMA

While on the Great Los Angeles Walk last month, my colleague Pat Saperstein posted a few photos on Instagram from what looked like a staged event happening at LACMA: "Farewell, Work Holiday Parties" appeared to be a live, immersive event featuring actors portraying an out-of-control work holiday party. I was a mile or two behind her, and hoped it would still be going on by the time I got to the museum.

And indeed, when I got to the museum an hour or so later, the party was going on. Because here's the amazing part: Artist Alex Prager had not hired actors to re-enact an awful office Christmas. These are all incredibly real-life mannequins, in the most amazing fashion. The exhibit is outdoors, and free to see, making it COVID-safe.
 

I mean, wow. Here's how LACMA describes the work: "Approaching the work from any direction, the visitor gets the distinct sense that there are a lot of people around. It is strange to see a group gathered without masks, standing very close to one another and even touching as they pose for a picture. You quickly realize the plaza before you is not full of people; it is a tableau made of lifelike sculptures and props depicting an office party bordering on absurdity. Like Alex Prager's photographs, the characters are frozen into detailed, fantastical (pre-pandemic) scenarios. The most absurd thing of all is the eerily real feeling about the sculptures. They are so lifelike that it seems as if one might move at any moment—or that they are looking directly at you."

More from LACMA: "This new world has necessitated new approaches to making art and engaging audiences, and this type of life sculptural work is a new element in Prager's practice. Based in Los Angeles, the artist has been working in performance, photography, and film for years (and a keen eye may even notice a nod to one of her past works under the Christmas tree). This piece came about when Miller Lite approached Prager to make artwork that could be featured in a holiday commercial. Speaking about the inception of the work, Prager said, "It's rare that a project like this comes my way. I have been experimenting with sculpture in my work for years. Miller Lite and DDB trusted me to make 15 life sculptures with complete creative autonomy." The result of this collaboration with Miller Lite is a piece that enlisted Hollywood special effects, techniques of photography, and Prager's signature way of blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The curators welcomed the opportunity to recontextualize these impressive new works by Prager and the hyperreal sculptures now have a new life beyond the advertisement as artworks for this outdoor installation."

All of these characters have names and even motivations. Read here for more.

If you can't make it to LACMA, here's a 3D rendering and tour to get a closer look.

L.A. Zoo Lights Return, With Some New Surprises (But Giving the Reindeer a Break) For 2019

We've made visiting the L.A. Zoo Lights an annual holiday tradition, and many of you have too. The Lights are back for 2019, and promises "the world's largest illuminated pop-up storybook and more light animals than ever before."

Among the highlights are the return of the Lights' disco ball forest, 3-D animations, a water-laser show and more. And then there's the extended "Twinkle Tunnel." Santa is also back, and the reptile lair is open to catch the creepy crawlers — but this year the reindeer have thankfully been given a break and aren't doing nighttime duty.

The L.A. Zoo Lights returned on Nov. 15 and will continue through Jan. 5 — with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas. Visit LAZooLights.org for more details, and tickets can be purchased at lazoo.com/eventperformances. Check out photos below:

L.A. Zoo Lights Returns for 2018 With an Expanded Twinkle Tunnel, a New Elephant Circle Display, and More

The L.A. Zoo Lights is always a reliable way to get into the holiday cheer, and although it's a relatively new tradition — this is its fifth year — it has become an annual staple for the Franklin Avenue family. (Check out last year's post here.) We returned for this year's visit on Friday night, and can report that it's perhaps more photo-friendly (and Instagrammable, natch) than ever.

The L.A. Zoo Lights has received several accolades since its launch; this year it's nominated in the USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards. Voting ends on Monday, December 10, so vote here to help our zoo out!

Entrance to the L.A. Zoo lights. More pics below.

A silhouette screen is a popular spot for pics. 

Most of the animals are tucked away for bed during L.A. zoo lights, but the reindeer are out for Santa.

The lighted and tumbling meerkats.

The illuminated elephants came with an L.A. theme this year.

Disco! It doesn't appear that KCRW is sponsoring this year's music, however, unlike past years. 

The Lair is the only animal area open during the L.A. Zoo Lights, and it's a chance to see snakes, turtles, fish, and more after hours.

The baby snakes creeped and delighted.

The water fountain show takes place every few minutes.

New this year: The Elephant Circle is transformed into a kaleidoscopic savanna with stained-glass animals – including the endangered California condor, Masai giraffe, Asian elephant, and more.

The popular twinkle tunnel has also been lengthened, although it comes with a wait when the zoo is crowded.

Performers at the end of the twinkle tunnel.

There are plenty of festive food and drinks (including cocktails!) available for purchase. L.A. Zoo Lights takes place through Sunday, January 6, 2019 (except December 24 and 25) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission to L.A. Zoo Lights ranges from $14.95 to $21.95 for adults (13+) and $11.95 to $16.95 for children (2-12). Children under age 2 are free. Tickets for members of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association are $11 during the entire run, which is up to 50 percent off.