Auto-Didactic: The Juxtapoz School

The Petersen Automotive Museum’s latest exhibit celebrates the role of the automobile in contemporary art

The Petersen debuted the first in a series of “California-themed” exhibits to celebrate its upcoming 25th anniversary. “Auto-Didactic: The Juxtapoz School” replaces the beloved “The High Art of Riding Low: Ranflas, Corazón e Inspiración” lowrider exhibit in the Petersen’s Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery.

Works of art by designer Shepard Fairey, pinstriper Von Dutch, Juxtapoz Magazine founder Robert Williams, and fifty other progressive artists are on display for all to appreciate. In addition, notable art cars like Robert Williams’ “Prickly Heat” ’32 Ford Roadster, Big Daddy Roth’s “Orbitron,” and Von Dutch’s “Kenford Truck” are featured in the exhibit. One of the crowd favorites was the psychedelic diorama in the truck of Kenny Sharf’s “New and Improved Ultima Suprema Deluxe,” replete with dinosaurs eating airplanes and Fred Flinstone perched atop a spinning disco ball.

“Our new exhibit will be unlike any other exhibit we’ve ever curated at the Petersen during the last 25 years,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “While the focus is still on the automobile, the range of artwork on display will appeal to both car enthusiasts as well as the progressive art connoisseur.”

For more information on “Auto-Didactic: The Juxtapoz School” and the Petersen Automotive Museum, visit the Petersen’s website. Gallery photos courtesy of the Petersen.