David Lebrun: Looking Back, Moving Forward—Program 3: Transfigurations—Reanimating the Past (2018–2024)

MoMI welcomes filmmaker David Lebrun for a retrospective of his work from 1966 to today. For nearly six decades, Lebrun has illustrated unique histories with a singular vision informed through his lived experience and achieved with precise technique. Lebrun’s work, which encompasses a variety of genres from experimental animation to documentary, is informed by his background in anthropology, as well as his interest in psychedelia, spirituality, and philosophy. Lebrun invites us to look at the past with curiosity and wonder while imagining possibilities for a shared tomorrow. The series will be presented chronologically across three separate programs. 

Program 3: Transfigurations — Reanimating the Past (2018–2024) 

This program explores Lebrun’s most recent works; though intended for museum exhibition, they are presented here in the cinema. These innovative animations breathe new life into archaeological artifacts and architectural wonders, from prehistoric tools to ancient coins and sacred temples. Each animation offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human history, inviting reflection on the enduring legacy of civilization’s past. The films will be interspersed with discussion between Lebrun and critic and writer Lawrence Weschler. Total running time: approx. 65 mins. 

45 Handaxes / Lower to Middle Paleolithic / 600,000 – 40,000 BP  
2020, 7 mins. 4K 

137 Coins / Greece via Rome to Gaul / 4th-to-1st Centuries BCE 
2020, 7 mins. 4K 

Bronze Age Mediterranean diptych: 
51 Figurines / Cycladic Islands / 3300 – 2000 BCE 
44 Figurines / Anatolia / 3000 – 2000 BCE 
2021, 7 mins. 4K 

48 Plank Figurines / Cyprus / 2500 – 1800 BCE 
2020, 5 mins. 4K 

“American Gods” triptych: 
60 Figurines / Olmec Culture / 2000-400 BCE 
58 Funerary Urns / Zapotec Culture / 200-900 CE 
60 Mexica (Aztec) Sculptures / 1300-1521 CE 
2024, 10 mins. 4K 

The Hoysalesvara Temple / Karnataka, India / c. 1250 CE. 
2021, 9 min. 4K 

Featuring Q&A with David Lebrun and Lawrence Weschler

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / free for MoMI members at the Senior/Student level and above. There is a $1.50 transaction fee per ticket for all online purchases. The cost of admission may be applied toward a same-day purchase of a membership. 

Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission.