Face-lifts are nothing new in this town, but the one underway at Beverly Center is costing $500 million as it endeavors to become a hot retail and dining destination. Even the scaffolding is part of the image redo, with notable artists drafted to cover the dirty work.
Sources tell THR that iconic L.A.-based artist Catherine Opie — known for photographs that explore gender, race, class and sexuality — will contribute a large-scale image. Opie most recently enjoyed a well-received exhibition of her work 700 Nimes Road, an indirect documentary project featuring works taken inside the late Elizabeth Taylor’s home.
Independent curator Jenelle Porter is overseeing the installations in association with the Hammer Museum.
A rep for Beverly Center declined comment on Opie’s participation but but did confirm that artists Dave Muller and Geoff McFetridge are also on board for interior pieces to debut in mid-July. Muller’s 800-foot piece on level six will include a monumental painting depicting the flora and fauna local to the Los Angeles flats and foothills, as well as the Watts Towers, the Hollywood sign and more. McFetridge will contribute a 1,000-foot piece on the level seven barricade featuring L.A.’s native animal, the coyote.
Construction is on pace to be completed by the 2018 holiday season.
A version of this story first appeared in the July 22 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
