Balloon Museum’s Let’s Fly Exhibition in Los Angeles: A Celebration of Art, Air, and Creativity in the Heart of the Arts District
Let’s Fly – Art has no limits
Let’s Fly is an exhibition by the Balloon Museum that celebrates the intersection of art, air, and creativity. Most recently held at the iconic Ace Mission Studios in the vibrant Arts District, the exhibition has now concluded its Los Angeles run. However, Let’s Fly will continue its journey, bringing its large-scale installations, light displays, and thought-provoking artworks to new cities. The exhibition offered a dynamic experience of creativity, inviting visitors of all ages to engage with art in innovative and interactive ways.”
One of the standout pieces in Let’s Fly was Christopher Schardt’s Mariposa, a stunning butterfly sculpture spanning 26 feet in width and covered in 39,000 LEDs. First featured at Burning Man 2023, Mariposa invited guests to swing beneath the artwork and trigger dynamic light patterns that shifted in sync with a curated soundtrack. This installation merged technology, design, and movement, offering participants a reflective experience.
Sasha Frolova’s Fountain of Eternity and Kaleidoscope brought a captivating blend of pop and baroque aesthetics. The Fountain of Eternity, an inflatable transparent sculpture with a shimmering coating, evoked alchemical symbolism and inspired dreams. Complementing it was Kaleidoscope, a video installation projected onto a ceiling-mounted screen. Frolova’s performance in colorful, inflatable latex costumes created a mesmerizing self-portrait with burlesque allure, inviting viewers into an exploration of identity and imagination.
Another key installation was ZEROS by SpY. This light and sound piece explored the movement of air particles in a futuristic, poetic manner. Visitors were enveloped in an audiovisual symphony as illuminated elements floated and responded to air currents, offering a meditative experience.
Also featured was Hyperstellar, an installation by Hyperstudio, with Quiet Ensemble and images by Roman Hill. This giant ball pit installation played with concepts of light, space, and the vastness of the universe, simulating the feeling of floating through a starry sky with layers of color and light.
Highlights and Featured Artists
The exhibition at the historic Ace Mission Studios in the Arts District created a striking visual contrast between industrial architecture and whimsical, air-filled art installations. Los Angeles is known for its diverse cultural landscape, and Let’s Fly was a perfect addition to the city’s rich artistic tradition. The exhibition brought a sense of lightness and wonder, offering visitors an opportunity to experience art in a completely new way.
A defining feature of Let’s Fly was its emphasis on interactivity. Each installation invited guests to engage with the art in meaningful ways—whether by swinging beneath Mariposa, observing the hypnotic movement of Kaleidoscope, or reflecting on the power of ZEROS. This approach allowed visitors to be active participants rather than passive observers, making the exhibition a fresh departure from traditional art shows.
In addition to interactive installations, Let’s Fly included light displays and air-inspired sculptures that explored the fluidity and beauty of air as a medium. These elements raised thought-provoking questions about the relationship between nature, technology, and creativity.
While the exhibition appealed to adults and art lovers, it also offered a family-friendly experience. Children were able to engage with the art, making it a fun outing for families. The Balloon Museum also provided educational resources and programs to engage younger visitors. One highlight was a section of the exhibition dedicated to the History of Inflatable Art, from the first drawings of Leonardo Da Vinci to modern-day inflatable creations. Let’s
Plan Your Visit
While the Let’s Fly exhibition has concluded its run in Los Angeles, the exhibition continues to travel to new cities. Be sure to keep an eye out for updates on upcoming locations. Whether you’re an art lover, a family looking for a fun day out, or simply curious about the ways air can be used as a medium, Let’s Fly offers something for everyone.
Keep an eye out for the next opportunity to experience Let’s Fly at one of its future stops!
