In Santa Monica, a monumental mirrored metal representation of the acclaimed director David Lynch captivates onlookers, towering at 6,4 meter (21-foot). This remarkable sculpture has made its appearance in front of the 1550 Lincoln apartment complex, adding a unique artistic touch to the neighborhood.
Crafted by Czech artist David Černý, the sculpture draws inspiration from Lynch's influential work and his ties to Prague. Černý, known for his dynamic sculptures, infused the piece with motion, allowing it to shift from a recognizable image of Lynch into abstract forms through the rotation of its numerous horizontal metal segments.
Perched atop a chrome pedestal, the sculpture is strategically placed at the bustling junction of Lincoln Boulevard and Colorado Avenue. This installation echoes Černý's previous kinetic sculpture of Franz Kafka in Prague, which has garnered considerable attention since its unveiling in 2014.
The genesis of the Lynch sculpture traces back to a proposal from NMS Properties, the developers of the apartment complex. They were captivated by Černý's Kafka piece and sought a similar spectacle for Santa Monica. Černý, seizing the opportunity to honor a Hollywood luminary, chose Lynch, a figure he profoundly admires not just for his cinematic achievements but also for his deep connection with Prague.
Lynch's association with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, which recorded scores for some of his films, and his expressed kinship with Kafka, solidified Černý's choice. This artistic tribute not only celebrates Lynch's storied career but also symbolizes a serendipitous connection between the two creative minds, linked now in stainless steel.
The city of Santa Monica mandates that private development projects include public art, a requirement fulfilled by this imposing sculpture. However, the decision to honor Lynch in such a grand manner was met with mixed reactions. Some members of the Santa Monica Arts Commission debated the choice of subject and the sculpture's gender representation, leading to a divided vote on the project's approval.
Selena Mattei