Dreaming at the Edge of the Santa Monica Pier

By Jorge Casuso

July 20, 2018 -- The nature of dreams will be explored during a "revolving, shape-shifting series" of art works at the western edge of the Santa Monica Pier, organizers said.

Titled "Sea-Saw," the series will "materialize" every Tuesday and Wednesday between July 24 and August 29 at 6 p.m. in an elevated performance space at the western edge of the century old wooden landmark.

During the six weeks, seven artists and performance collectives will showcase their answers to the question: "What happens upon reaching the furthest possible point of waking aspirations, or discovering the meaning of a recurring dream that visits every few nights?" The artists will "immerse themselves and guests into the enigma of walking to the end of one’s dreams, or the collective concept of dreaming itself," organizers said.

"Los Angeles is the final resting place of many dreams, both realized and incomplete," says curator Jacob Patterson of Think Tank Gallery, which is producing the series with the Santa Monica Pier.

"To overlook the ocean in Los Angeles is to ponder the aspirations and secret thoughts of many generations of dreamers, and the furthest point one can chase those dreams beneath the setting sun is the Santa Monica Pier, perched upon that ocean."

The performances will be staged in a room with three walls of windows facing the Pacific Ocean, backed by a fourth wall of mirrors.

"Inhabiting this westernmost point of Los Angeles, the view from this room depicts one thing from every vantage point: the wonder of the ocean," organizers said.

The series kicks of Monday with "Make Music" with performance art, dance, music and projection mapping by McDisco / The Guest & The Host

"Make Music is a recording experience literally anyone can participate in," the artists said. "We collaborate with you to make a song, in a session, against the backdrop of a glittering disco installation."

The series continues July 31 and August 1 with an "edge-of-world party" that features immersive theater, interactive performance and movement.

"Edges define us, our story, our experience. Without knowing when one part ends, how can you tell when another begins?" organizers said in a statement.

"At the edge-of-world-party you are encouraged to look within, find those answers and thank those who made it possible for you to do so."

For a full schedule of performances click here.