Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bruce Conner's Experimental Films Come Alive in LA
Bruce Conner's Experimental Films Come Alive in LA
31 Mar
Summary
- Exhibition showcases seven iconic experimental films by Bruce Conner.
- Films explore consumerism, authoritarianism, and nuclear threats.
- Free tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Marciano Art Foundation in Los Angeles is currently hosting BRUCE CONNER / RECORDING ANGEL, a significant exhibition dedicated to the groundbreaking experimental films of Bruce Conner. This showcase, running until July 18, 2026, features seven of Conner's iconic cinematic works, spanning nearly five decades of his artistic career. Organized by Douglas Fogle, the exhibition emphasizes Conner's distinctive manipulation of light, sound, and found footage.
Conner, often called the "father of the music video" for his rapid-fire editing, utilized his films as experimental analyses of American society. His work explored themes of consumerism, authoritarianism, and the specter of nuclear war. Iconic pieces like A MOVIE (1958) and CROSSROADS (1976) exemplify his innovative approach, using assemblage and declassified footage, respectively.
The exhibition also highlights Conner's fusion of sound and image in films such as BREAKAWAY (1966) and LOOKING FOR MUSHROOMS (1959-1967). His later works, MONGOLOID (1978) and AMERICA IS WAITING (1981), repurposed existing films to comment on the American Dream, often set to music by influential artists. The retrospective concludes with THREE SCREEN RAY (2006).
Reflecting Conner's deep connections to American counterculture, the exhibition captures his biting wit and revolutionary spirit. His concerns about conformity and power remain strikingly relevant today. Tickets for the exhibition are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
