Tim Burton Ad Outside
the Bell Lightbox
The Tim Burton exhibit is taking place at the Bell Lightbox, presented by the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It’s a spectacular display of Burton’s renowned contributions to the art and movie world. The exhibition takes you through what Burton is extravagantly known for: his dark and twisted imagination.
Getting over the hurdle
Upon entering the exhibit, you are first greeted with one of Burton’s earliest stop motion short films about a young boy whose life is consumed by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, entitled Vincent. As you continue to walk through the exhibit, you get the sense that you are walking through Burton’s imagination itself in that, rather than just seeing his finished work, you get to see the ‘rough drafts’ of his artwork. This is the most interesting aspect of the exhibit.
Next to each of Burton’s completed masterpieces is the preliminary artwork that sheds considerable light into how the mind of Burton works and how he goes from a simple sketch to a film. For example, next to Burton’s Edward Scissorhands completed costume are the artistic sketches of the costume by Burton himself.
Tim Burton Exhibit
Some of his earlier and rarer pieces, including his concept art for The Black Cauldron, which was later denied by Disney, are also on display. These particular pieces show how his work has evolved and progressed into what we all admire today.
This blockbuster exhibit is for all ages and has over 700 unique pieces on display that will captivate both the casual and the more die-hard fans. Items range from popular movie paraphernalia – the Catwoman Suit, Jack Skellington’s many faces, the aliens from Mars Attacks – and more personal pieces including his own personal sketchbook and a letter to Johnny Depp regarding a line in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
The New York Museum of Modern Art organized the collection, which became the third-highest attended event in MoMA’s history, elevating Burton amongst the greats like Picasso and Matisse. The exhibit follows Burton’s career sequentially, from his earliest work in 1958, to Hansel and Gretel (produced in 1983), to his more revered works — The Nightmare Before Christmas, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, and Alice in Wonderland.
This exhibit will appeal not only to Tim Burton lovers, but also to art and movie lovers generally. Anyone in Toronto should not hesitate to take this rare journey into the dark, twisted, macabre world that is Tim Burton. The exhibit will be here until April 17th.
