Matthew Barney: RIVER OF FUNDAMENT is Barney's first major solo museum exhibition in Los Angeles. River of Fundament (2014) is one of Barney's most challenging and ambitious projects to date, and his largest filmic undertaking since the renowned, five-part CREMASTER film cycle (1994-2002). The film, written by Barney in collaboration with composer Jonathan Bepler, tells a story of regeneration and rebirth inspired by Ancient Evenings (1983), Norman Mailer's sprawling, provocative novel set in ancient Egypt. The presentation at MOCA comprises the epic length, operatic film and approximately 85 works inspired by or made in conjunction with the film, including large-scale sculptures weighing up to 25 tons, drawings, and storyboards. The exhibition also includes Barney's Water Castings, a new group of sculptures on view for the first time. Overall, the works in the exhibition intertwine history and mythology with the contemplation of fundamental human drives—such as sex, violence, and power—that have continuously propelled civilizations.
Matthew Barney: RIVER OF FUNDAMENT is organized by Haus der Kunst, Munich in collaboration with the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Tasmania and curated by Okwui Enwezor. The Los Angeles presentation is coordinated by MOCA Assistant Curator Lanka Tattersall.
The exhibition was realized by MOCA in collaboration with Laurenz Foundation, Schaulager, Basel.
Lead support is provided by Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and Gladstone Gallery.
Major support is provided by Sadie Coles HQ, London, Mark Fletcher and Tobias Meyer, Glenstone Foundation, and Regen Projects, Los Angeles.
Additional support is provided by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and C. Richard and Pamela Kramlich.
In-kind media support is provided by KCETLink, KCRW 89.9 FM, and Los Angeles magazine.
For more information about the film, visit: riveroffundament.net.
River of Fundament will screen regularly throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Capacity is limited; seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursdays
1:30–3:25pm: Act I
Intermission
3:45–5:33: Act II
Intermission
5:55–7:30: Act III
Saturdays and Sundays
11:30am–1:25pm: Act I
Intermission
1:45–3:33pm: Act II
Intermission
3:55–5:30pm: Act III
Please note, additional screenings have been added on January 11, 13, 15, and 18.
The film will be screened according to the following schedule:
11:30am–1:25pm: Act I
Intermission
1:45–3:33pm: Act II
Intermission
3:55–5:30pm: Act III