Five Facts about Baseman’s “Giggle and Pop!”

Ten years ago, in conjunction with ArtWalk 2010: The Los Angeles Arts & Music Festival, LACMA MUSE presented “Giggle and Pop!” a special performance created by artist Gary Baseman. Performed at multiple sites, including by Chris Burden’s Urban Light and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, “Giggle and Pop!” attendees joined Baseman’s ChouChous and the “La Brea Tar Pits” WildGirls in a dynamic experience that created a new and alternative memory of one of LA’s major landmark areas. Growing up in the Fairfax neighborhood, La Brea Tar Pits was Gary’s playground and a continuous inspiration for his work.

Check out these five facts about “Giggle and Pop!”

1. This performance references Baseman’s paintings from “I Melt in Your Presence” (2007), “Hide and Seek in the Forest of ChouChou” (2007), and “La Noche de la Fusión” (2009).
2. According to the artist, he created WildGirls & ChouChous as a search for liberty, “the state of being free… from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority in one’s way of life, behavior, or political views.”
3. The work featured a dance choreographed by Sarah Elgart and original music by Carina Round.
4. Attendees received free keepsake Baseman-designed limited edition sashes or two-color serigraphs featuring Carina Round’s lyrics.
5. Culver City Art Walk recreated “Giggle and Pop!” in 2011, with participation of Culver City High School students who performed at the historic Helms Bakery and adjacent arts district.

You can still get a set of magnets inspired by Gary Baseman’s Giggle and Pop! painting and performance in our store!