Mountain Bar was a pioneering space in Chinatown frequented by artists, gallery owners, and anyone who really liked the color red. The space closed in 2012, but it's now being reborn at TIF SIGFRIDS and open during special evening hours for a variety of events including film screenings, DJ nights, variety shows, and more. Original owner/creator Jorge Pardo is rebuilding the bar as an installation project. The first screening will be Eyes Without a Face (Georges Franju, 1960). Read the complete information below, along with another in-progress shot.
The Mountain Bar, originally founded by Jorge Pardo and gallery owner Steve Hanson in 2003 was situated in Chinatown, a center for art activity in Los Angeles at the time. With numerous galleries and artist’s studios in close proximity, the intention was to create a meeting place that might foster meaningful exchange and as an artwork take into consideration relational concerns.
In 2009, Pardo created the upstairs bar (Untitled 2009), that would become home to The Mountain School of Arts (a free school initiated by artists Eric Wesley and Piero Golia). Constructed on the site that was once Pardo’s studio, the piece was treated as a VIP lounge, not open to the public and functioning as a mixed purpose space. In addition to The Mountain School of Arts, various lectures, performances, and film screenings took place over the course of the next three years.
Originally intended as a ten-year project, the Mountain Bar officially closed in 2012. Throughout it’s lifetime, the upstairs bar (Untitled 2009) housed lectures and presentations from artists and curators including Dan Graham, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and many others. As the activity that happens within each piece is important to all of Pardo’s work, Untitled 2009, tells a very lively past.
From July 26 - August 10th, The Mountain Bar will be installed at TIF SIGFRIDS and open during special evening hours for a variety of events including film screenings, DJ nights, variety shows, and more.. Ffollow us on Facebook or check the website for an updated schedule.
Please join us Thursday, July 24th as Joe Sola presents: Eyes Without a Face (Georges Franju, 1960). Programming begins at 8, with a special introduction to the film by Jan Tumlir. Hope to see you!
In addition to two trompos, there are lorenzas, caramelos, campechanos, seafood tacos, taquitos, and “gringo” tacos, plus $4 street tacos, rib eye tacos, surf n’ turf tacos, and several varieties of vegetarian tacos. In summation: a whole lotta tacos.
“People don’t see the sober; they see the matcha,” owner Ruben Barcenas says. “They see some dope clothing. Undercover wellness. It’s how I approach everything.”
