Dabs Myla at Modernica

You know what? People are sure creative. I know that may not be the most groundbreaking news but it never ceases to amaze me to see what wonderful things people come up with. Take Dabs Myla. This husband and wife artistic team recently completed a massive installation at Modernica – a mid-century inspired design company headquartered in Downtown LA. Called Before & Further the piece covers every aspect of the Modernica building. Recently, one of my favorite groups, deLab, organized an outing to view the work and I excitedly signed up.

First off, talk about a hidden treasure! Located in a highly industrial area my car was outnumbered by big rigs on my way there. I turned down a tiny side street nestled between gigantic warehouses and ran into this.

Looming like a beacon in the night it was like nothing that surrounded it. Even without the artwork the building is a total anomaly in the the area. According to the Modernica site it’s a 1929 factory. According to me it’s beautiful.

I walked in and ran smack tab into Dabs Myla.

Ok, technically it was a giant duck head but I can’t think of a more prominent introduction to the installation. As I looked around I found whimsical pieces everywhere.

Even the bathrooms got into the act.

As I walked around I realized there were more installations upstairs. Wow! From a room turned into a disco complete with glow in the dark images and a blaring soundtrack to an art studio visible through a peephole it was a wonderland to behold.

I loved every minute of my visit and am so glad I made it to the installation. It’s just further proof of the wonders you find when you begin to explore LA. Next time you find yourself in an industrial area who knows? There may be a historic building housing a whimsical art piece right under your nose.