FIJI Water Blog Posting - Spec

Larry Johnson Retrospective
at the Hammer Museum

The last day of spring turned out to be the hottest night of the year for the throngs of ultra-hip young scene makers and venerable old-money art collectors attending the opening of the Larry Johnson career retrospective sponsored by FIJI Water at LA’s famed Hammer Museum.

Late-arriving guests found a long wait at the door as the invitation-only opening night reception was packed from the start with stars of the first magnitude. Among the many luminaries in attendance were actors Johnny Depp, Zoey Deschanel, and Dennis Hopper. Singer Pete Yorn and rock legend Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers were seen speaking with renowned architect Frank Gehry and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Luckily for all, FIJI Water was also there helping keep everyone cool and refreshed while they danced to the impressive mix provided by DJs Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim), Girl Talk and Groove Armada.

The biggest attraction of the evening was none other than the great man himself, Larry Johnson. Holding court in the Hammer’s main gallery, the noted artist spent the evening warmly greeting his many friends and celebrity well-wishers.

Painter, sculptor, outlaw, Johnson has been shaking up the art world for three decades with his unconventional work. He first came to prominence while still a student with his photo series Untitled (Movie Starts on Clouds) (1982/84), a landmark tribute to Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Sal Mineo and other movie stars who shaped his youth. Johnson, a reformed club kid, is now revered as the unofficial godfather of the Los Angeles art scene.

The retrospective at the Hammer marks the first time all of Johnson’s major works have been shown together under one roof. FIJI Water, a longtime supporter of the arts, was glad to have played a role in bringing about this must-see event.

Larry Johnson at the Hammer runs through September 6, 2009. Visit hammer.ucla.org for complete details.
Photo courtesy of the Hammer Museum & Flickr.