Life Is Beautiful isn’t just about music, although the tunes are always stellar. Sin City’s premier music, arts, food, and learning festival also features some of the world’s most renowned and forward-thinking cultural and street artists, who transform Downtown Las Vegas into an urban art gallery.
Charlotte Dutoit of art collective and production unit JUSTKIDS is back to curate this year’s art program. None other than legendary artists Shepard Fairey—of the internationally recognized Obey Giant art projects and the Obey clothing line—and Felipe Pantone lead the 2016 roster. Joining them will be Bezt, one half of Polish art duo Etam Cru, whose work has transformed drab Eastern European urban architecture into vibrant works of art. Tristan Eaton, a leader in the art toys world, who has worked with global brands and was also commissioned to create an official Breaking Bad-themed watch, will bring his big art as well. Norwegian stencil artist Martin Whatson’s work has a bit of the old-school graffiti vibe, with a note of social commentary. Spanish artist and illustrator Dulk will also bring his cartoonish flair to the festival. French artist Fafi explores femininity through stereotypes and her dreamy and deadly Fafinette figures. Rounding out the muralists will be Mark Drew, who has turned Peanuts cartoons into memes by making them speak in only classic rap lines.
The art only gets bigger from there. Life Is Beautiful 2016 welcomes several large-scale art installations, including Mike Ross’ Big Rig Jig. Originally commissioned for Burning Man and recently displayed in the UK at Banksy’s Dismaland project, the installation will become a permanent fixture within the festival footprint. Additional must-see installations include the Silent Room by Dutch London-based artist Simon Heijdens. In only its second run ever, this one-of-a-kind anechoic chamber will be showcased at Life is Beautiful, providing fans with an overwhelming sensory experience.
Also making their debuts at Life Is Beautiful are artists and collectives Poetic Kinetics and their aerial installation, Proximate Sky; Amanda Parer with Intrude, her installation composed of massive, glowing bunnies that illuminate the night sky; Crystal Wagner, who will beautify the entire facade of one of Vegas’ historic vintage motels; and Burning Man favorite Laura Kimpton and her Monumental Word Series.
Take in all the art and look at your surrounding world through a colorful lens. Life is beautiful, indeed.
Life Is Beautiful 2016 takes place September 23–25 in Downtown Las Vegas. Tickets are available now . For more information, visit the official website .
Follow Life Is Beautiful on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Snapchat: @LIBeautifulFest | Periscope: @LifeisBeautiful
