MCASB Opens New Kinetic Art Exhibition
The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara showcases video and kinetic works through May 1, 2027.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Fine Art
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The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara has opened its new exhibition, Falling into the Future: Kinetic Art at the Edge of the World. The display features a range of kinetic art and video installations at the gallery located at 653 Paseo Nuevo.
Why it matters
This exhibition provides a significant platform for exploring movement-based media through diverse artistic expressions. It also connects local venues with interdisciplinary collaborations at the UCSB AlloSphere.
The exhibition highlights a two-channel video work by Ayoung Kim and incorporates works by 10 featured artists. Three of these artists will present further installations at the UCSB AlloSphere.
The players
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
This institution serves as the primary host for the exhibition at its 653 Paseo Nuevo location.
Kelly Akashi
She is a participating artist whose work draws on the destruction caused by the 2025 Altadena fire.
Ayoung Kim
She is a featured artist whose contribution to the exhibition includes a two-channel video installation.
UCSB AlloSphere
This facility is a research and creative space that will host additional works from three exhibition artists.
Jean Cocteau
He was a filmmaker and artist whose 1963 work is screened as part of the museum exhibition.
The details
The exhibition features various video manifestations and sonic sources to create motion, including Jean Cocteau's 1963 film, which screens outside the museum. Kelly Akashi contributes a piece titled Reliquary (Devil's Claw) that utilizes elements salvaged following the 2025 Altadena fire.
Timeline
1963: Jean Cocteau creates the film Jean Cocteau Addresses 2000.
1990: The David Bermant Foundation hosts the Pulse 2 exhibition.
2025: The Altadena fire destroys the home of artist Kelly Akashi.
November 15, 2026: Three artists unveil works at the UCSB AlloSphere.
May 1, 2027: The exhibition at MCASB closes.
Industry Dynamics
This exhibition marks a trend of integrating traditional museum spaces with high-tech research environments like the UCSB AlloSphere. By merging kinetic installations with immersive digital platforms, the project highlights how contemporary art is evolving beyond static displays.
Visitors can view the exhibition at 653 Paseo Nuevo through May 1, 2027. Some artists will present supplementary works at the UCSB AlloSphere in mid-November for those interested in expanded viewing opportunities.
The takeaway
This exhibition highlights how kinetic art uses technology and movement to bridge the gap between historic film and contemporary disaster-inspired sculpture. Attendees should note the extended run time through 2027 to plan their visits to the Paseo Nuevo gallery.
What happens next
Three artists participating in the exhibition will unveil new works at the UCSB AlloSphere on November 15, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the local art scene, visit the Santa Barbara Fine Art section.
More information
Read additional exhibition details and museum information on the official museum website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Santa Barbara Independent.
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