Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors Opens at Santa Monica Art Museum
On September 12, 2024, the Santa Monica Art Museum opened its latest exhibition, Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors. This exhibit, which features art from creators like Jim McKenzie and Andrew Freeman, photo ops, a coffin simulator, and more, takes visitors through eight themed chambers to explore monsters’ origins, evolution, and psychological impact.
The goal is “to make a space that people find interesting, to change the way people see art and consider what is art,” said Ricardo Puentes, curator of the exhibit.
A Journey Through the Ages of Monsters
Visitors begin their journey with early folklore and fairy tales, witnessing the first iterations of monsters such as witches and boogeymen. From there, the exhibit moves forward through time, showcasing cryptids—mysterious creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman—and concluding with the modern slasher villains of cinema. The progression through these various monstrous figures reveals their evolution and deep psychological and cultural resonance.
Puentes explained, “We start from folklore…you see some of the first kind of iterations of what monsters are…and then you go into cryptids and the metaphysical aspect of how they’re represented in media”. This chronological approach allows visitors to see how different societies have used monsters to embody their fears and cultural anxieties.
Immersive Environments and Artistic Collaboration
One of the defining features of Monsters is its thematic design. The museum has constructed a series of themed rooms, each dedicated to a specific type of monster or genre. Visitors can walk through 8 rooms filled with large-scale sculptures and artworks designed to transport them into the worlds these creatures inhabit. This immersive approach is intentional, as Puentes emphasized the importance of showing monsters in their “natural habitats,” allowing the art to come alive.
Puentes and his team collaborated with several renowned artists for the exhibition, including Jim McKenzie, Immortal Masks, Eric Rodriguez, and Nova Odette. Each artist contributed original pieces to the show, from full-sized sculptures like the iconic Baba Yaga to large installations like an underwater octopus. Puentes remarked, “What’s really cool about the Santa Monica Art Museum is our entire staff is filled with really talented artists…we’re making stuff here when we’re not checking people in.”
Monsters are Gorgeous
In Building themed environments (complete with lighting and sound) for the art to live in, Puentes hopes to differentiate the exhibit from other art galleries and help guests discover the beauty of monsters. Puentes says Monsters have remained enduring figures in storytelling. From the seductive vampire to the relentless slasher villain, these creatures captivate us on multiple levels. Puentes reflects on this allure, stating, “Monsters are gorgeous…they’re seductive, and there’s always something that draws you into these monster layers.”
The exhibition is more than just a celebration of monsters; it’s an invitation to reconsider what we find so compelling about them. As Puentes put it, the exhibit asks, “What is so appealing about them? Why have they been around for so long? What do they look like? What is a monster?”.
A New Vision for Art and Horror
Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors is a significant departure from traditional museum exhibits. Rather than focusing solely on the educational aspects of monsters, the exhibition leans into their artistic and creative representations. “The ultimate goal,” according to Puentes, “was really to change the way people see art and consider what is art”.
For horror enthusiasts and art lovers alike, Monsters offers a fresh and engaging way to experience the creatures that have haunted our imaginations for centuries. The exhibit runs through November 2024, with plans for a special holiday overlay in December, promising an even more immersive and festive horror experience.
Highlights:
- Eight Immersive Chambers: Walk through a labyrinth of horror, each room bringing you closer to the monsters that lurk in the darkest corners of the human mind.
- Featured Artists and Collaborators: Jim McKenzie, Andrew Freeman (Season 12 Winner of Face Off), Bully Ludwig, the Santa Monica Art Museum’s fabrication team, and many more.
- Monstrous Artwork: Delve into the creative psyches of artists who bring these nightmares to Discover how fears, obsessions, and imaginations have shaped the monstrous art that haunts the gallery walls.
- Monster Photo-Ops: Capture your bravest moments with unique, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities alongside your favorite monsters.
- Surprises at Every Turn: Be prepared—this exhibit is filled with unexpected frights and thrills designed to keep you on the edge.
Experiences Add-ons:
- Hunter’s Journal ($7): Unravel mysteries in each exhibit area with this interactive guide—perfect for those who love a good challenge.
- Coffin Challenge ($7): Experience the ultimate immersive thrill as you take a ride to your final resting place.
- Green Screen Photo Booth ($5): Take home a keepsake by placing yourself alongside iconic monsters in a personalized photo.
- VIP Package ($50pp): Skip the line with priority entrance, receive a Hunter’s Journal, and take on the Coffin Challenge—all included.
Visitor Information
- Wednesday – Friday: 4pm – 9pm
- Saturday: 12pm to 10pm
- Sunday: 12pm to 8pm
Tickets available online at www.santamonicaartmuseum.com starting at $20.
