The City of Glendale’s Library, Arts & Culture Department is cooperating with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for a new exhibition, Blended Worlds: Experiments in Interplanetary Imagination. Hosted at the Brand Library & Art Center from September 21, 2024, to January 4, 2025, this exhibit is part of the larger Getty-inspired PST ART: Art & Science Collide, which zooms in on the fusion of these two fields.
According to a statement obtained by the City of Glendale, Jennifer Fukutomi-Jones, the City’s Principal Arts & Culture Administrator, expressed excitement over the pioneering show. "Glendale is a vibrant and evolving arts destination, committed to finding opportunities to present thought-provoking and innovative programs that serve our broad audiences," she said. The Blended Worlds exhibition delves into the intricate dance between human connections with our expanding environment, bridging art, science, and a touch of extraterrestrial wonder.
Eleven artists, including notable names like Larry Bell and Moon Ribas, have collaborated with JPL's team to create a showcase that pushes the boundaries of what's expected when comets collide with canvas. Bell presents Time Machine, a work inviting guests to ponder their existence with a barium glass mirror, while Ribas's Seismic Percussion turns Earth and Mars's tremors into a rhythmic drum performance.
Blended Worlds will spice up the science stew with a medley of associated events, such as An Evening of Art, Theater, and Science on October 5 and Earth Data: The Musical in early November. Sadly, those looking for a way to wind down their week at the exhibit will have to make other plans — the center is closed on Sundays and Mondays, per the usual museum hours.
This collaboration signifies a creative leap for Southern California, showcasing JPL's knack for sparking imagination through the lens of science. Laurie Leshin, director of JPL, hailed the partnership as a unique opportunity to share the awe-inspiring beauty of space exploration.
