The Inflatable Crown January 10, 2008

For three years, professional balloon twister Addi Somekh and photojournalist Charlie Eckert traveled the world introducing balloon hats to the people they met and photographed their reactions. Their single-minded purpose was to illustrate that every human is born with the ability to laugh and have fun. Their incredible journey through Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Balkans, the Middle East and the United States has resulted in more than 10,000 photographs that are at once amusing and moving. This exhibition invites visitors to delight in a selection of images from this incredible archive.

Additional Gallery Experience

BALLOONHAT—Complementing the free exhibition The Inflatable Crown is an opportunity to view, in a nearby gallery, excerpts from the feature-length film Balloonhat, directed by A. G. Vermouth, which documents Somekh and Eckert’s unique odyssey. Also on view in this gallery are samples of original balloon art by Somekh. Free with paid admission to ticketed Skirball exhibitions.

The Skirball is closed on Mondays. Extended hours Thursdays until 9:00 p.m.. Weekend hours are 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Free!

Official Website: http://www.skirball.org