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Staff Writer
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March 11, 2026
The energy of a big game in L.A. is undeniable, from the roar that follows an LAFC goal to the collective gasp for a near-miss by the LA Galaxy. Soccer (or football for many) is a force that unites neighborhoods, cities, and countries.
And now, LACMA is capturing this global phenomenon in a way you’ve never seen before. The Fútbol Is Life exhibition by award‑winning animator and visual‑effects artist Lyndon J. Barrois, Sr., explores the cultural impact, political history, and raw human moments that define the world’s most popular sport.
Where art and sports collide
Inside the exhibition, visitors can expect to see life-size figures of players frozen in moments of peak athleticism, and even a collection of miniature dioramas recreating legendary moments from soccer history with remarkable precision.
Some of these highlights include the 1934 World Cup Final, where Italy defeated Czechoslovakia 2-1 (a triumph forever shadowed by the presence of Benito Mussolini), and Nigeria’s memorable 3-2 upset over co-hosts Australia in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Fútbol Is Life highlights Barrois’ distinctive craft techniques, combining hand-built miniature sculpture with stop-motion animation. With everyday materials such as gum wrappers, glue, paint, and mixed media, the artist constructs detailed “sportraits” that recreate moments from soccer history.
📆 When: Feb 15–Jul 26, 2026
📍 Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036