Machine Project Print Wall (image courtesy Machine Project)
For the past 15 years, Machine Project has been pushing the boundaries of what a contemporary art space can be, hosting an ambitious series of exhibitions, performances, discussions, and workshops with a boisterous mix of irreverence, curiosity, and old-fashioned elbow grease. Located in an unassuming Echo Park storefront off Sunset Boulevard, the nonprofit was founded by Mark Allen in 2003 with the intention of “coalescing large groups of artists who weren’t represented by galleries and who weren’t being shown in museums,” as he told Carolina Miranda of the LA Times last week. Since then, Machine Project has been transformed into a forest and a pirate ship, presented off-site interventions at the Hammer Museum and the Gamble House, and taught us how to be a cult leader, become anonymous, and perfect our death metal shrieks. Recently, the entire floor was removed plank by plank and reassembled at almost a 45-degree angle for the latest bizarro theatrical concoction from playwright Asher Hartman.
Asher Hartman, “Sorry, Atlantis, Eden’s Achin’ Organ Seeks Revenge” at Machine Project (photo by Agnes Bolt)
Sadly, Machine Project announced last week that they will soon be closing, but not before throwing a farewell party and print sale this Saturday. Along with each event, they printed a limited edition poster, many of which will be on sale for as low as $40 — the last chance to purchase one before they are acquired by an institutional archive later this year. Secret performances from Machine Project favorites will spontaneously erupt throughout the evening.
When: Saturday, January 13, 2–6pm (print sale); 6–9pm (wrap party)
Where: Machine Project (1200 D North Alvarado St., Echo Park, Los Angeles)
More info here.
