MMA worked with Los-Angeles based artist Lari Pittman on the exhibition design for his “Mood Books,” six monumental illustrated books, each opening to more than four feet in width. The artist, known for his exuberant, colorful, and graphically complex works, created 65 paintings in the series, drawing from a variety of aesthetic traditions, ranging from decorative art and design to advertising and folk art.

The MMA-design pedestals held the books open so visitors could enjoy a direct, unimpeded viewing experience. The darkened room and direct lighting recalled displays of illuminated medieval manuscripts and reliquaries. The prominent profiles and curving surfaces of the podiums were dramatically lit from below, creating visual references to the strong linework of the painting compositions.  A large, wall-mounted touch-screen displayed pages that were not visible in the open books.

“Mood Books” was on view at The Huntington from September 3, 2016 – February 20, 2017.