May 14, 2012 4:02PM

James Franco's 'Rebel' Exhibition Opens in LA

He takes on old Hollywood and James Dean at MOCA.
'Brad Renfro Forever' by James Franco. (We liked it even more when we thought it just said RAD.)

Triple threat actor / artist / author James Franco combines his talents and teases out the tension between old and new Hollywood in an exhibition based on the cult classic Rebel Without a Cause. The exhibition — Rebel — premiered in 2011 at the Venice Biennale and has just opened at LA's Musuem of Contemporary Art.

Presented by Gucci, the group show packs an all-star cast with video installation, photographs, paintings and sculptures Terry Richardson, Harmony Korine, Damon and Paul McCarthy, Ed Ruscha, Douglas Gordon, Aaron Young and also by James himself. The works reinterpret the main characters and locations from the film in an homage to James Dean, motorcycle culture, and the rebels of the 50s — history's coolest rebels by far.

This is the second time James Franco has adopted the James Dean persona in the name of art since starring in the 2001 award-winning TV biopic.

'Rebel' by Ed Ruscha, (2011).
 
Production still from 'Grapevine' by Aaron Young, (2011).
 

Clip from Harmony Korine's 'Caput' (2011).
 
Rebel runs at MOCA until June 23 is accompanied by a book of featured works authored by James Franco.

Lucy Jones

News & Features

Watch: New Balance x Alicia Twohill (Babes on Grill)

Part two of New Balance's 'women on the move' campaign.


Exclusive: Urban Outfitters x Stolen Girlfriends Club Shot & Styled by Zara Mirkin

An editorial to go with the capsule collection launching this week.


Oyster Playlist: Levins' Favourite RiFF RAFF Videos

Get your RiFF RAFF education before seeing him live at the Sydney Opera House next Friday night.


Beach Fossils Announce Debut Australian Tour

The Brooklyn band will play shows this September.


Oyster Words: Elke Kramer on Motherhood

From Oyster #102: The Peace Issue — on sale now!


Oyster Fashion: 'Hip Hop Astrid' Shot by Gadir Rajab & Styled by Mark Vassallo

Home boyz and home girlz, Givenchy, Nike, Christian Dior and more.


Exclusive: Krystal Glynn x Rene Vaile x Zara Mirken x Meadowlark

The SS13/14 lookbook from the NZ jewellery label.


Brooke Candy, LE1F & House of Ladosha Announce Australian Tour

Take note — the tour announcement comes with the warning "no basic bitches at this function."


Watch: Kanye Perform 'Black Skinhead' & 'New Slaves' on Saturday Night Live

Plus more details revealed about his upcoming Yeezus album.


Topshop x Kate Bosworth

They collaborate on a festival fashion capsule collection.


Interview: Harmony Korine

"I had a dream at one point of living my life as a criminal and then I kind of just did that with the movies."


Watch: 'Haunted Love' by Future Unlimited (Directed by Shia LaBeouf)

Inspired by working with Lars von Trier on 'Nymphomaniac'.


Oyster Playlist: Classixx

A smooth jazz playlist to celebrate the release of their debut album — out now!


Levins Mix to Celebrate The Dip's 2nd Birthday Tonight at Goodgod!

Prepare yourself for the hot dog eating competition now.


Christy Turlington Returns as Face of Calvin Klein Underwear

Looks the same as she did in the 90s.


Tyler, The Creator Back on Instagram

Keep calm and follow @feliciathegoat.


Top 5: Chanel Cruise 2013/14 Moments

From Dakota Fanning in the front row to a male model accessorising with a cricket bat on the runway.


Hanne Gaby Wears Romance Was Born, Ellery & Dion Lee in JASU's Latest Lookbook

Shot in Sydney last month when she was here for Fashion Week.


Listen: 'Looks Good With Trouble' by Solange ft. Kendrick Lamar

He adds a new verse to the already boss tune.


Interview With An Escort Pt 3: Gloria Van Vaulker (NSFW)

"To be a good sex worker you have to be able to give a piece of yourself to the job."


Oyster Fashion: 'Blissed Out' Shot by James Whineray

Our first shoot from the up-and-coming Perth photographer.