Exploring ‘No Prior Art’: How LAPL’s New Exhibition Celebrates Innovation

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is set to unveil an extraordinary exhibition titled “No Prior Art: Illustrations of Invention” from September 14, 2024, through May 11, 2025. This ambitious project, hosted at the Central Library’s Getty and Annenberg Galleries, is a collaborative effort between the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and the LAPL. The exhibition delves into the intersection of art, science, and invention, showcasing the imaginative spirit of creators throughout American history.

The Exhibition and Its Significance

“No Prior Art” is inspired by the extensive patent and intellectual property resources available at the LAPL, which is the most comprehensive on the West Coast. The exhibition features approximately 150 sculptures, photographs, drawings, models, inventions, and new commissions from more than a dozen artists and inventors, many of whom have ties to Los Angeles. The title, “No Prior Art,” is a clever play on a legal term integral to the patent application process, indicating that the claims of the invention must be unique and have no obvious precedent in existing patents.

City Librarian John F. Szabo emphasized the importance of the exhibition, stating, “From our extensive patent and intellectual property resources to makerspaces in Central Library’s Octavia Lab and the Koreatown Media Lab at Pio Pico-Koreatown Branch Library, the Los Angeles Public Library is an essential resource for inventors and entrepreneurs of all ages.” The exhibition aims to dispel the myth that only exceptional geniuses can invent, highlighting the communal and collaborative nature of creation.

Featured Artists and Their Contributions

The exhibition includes work from Mixografia, a multigenerational art studio that invented and patented a unique three-dimensional printmaking process. Pippa Garner, a trans artist, presents outrageous inventions that explore the body and critique consumerism. KAOS Network, an Afrofuturistic innovation lab in Leimert Park founded by artist/filmmaker Ben Caldwell, also contributes to the exhibition.

One of the standout pieces is Shervone Neckles’ monumental sculpture “BEACON,” created in partnership with Beam Center and Lewis Latimer House Museum in 2021. This sculpture will light the path into the exhibition, symbolizing the guiding light of innovation and creativity.

The Role of the Patent and Trademark Resource Center

A key inspiration behind the “No Prior Art” exhibition is the Central Library’s role as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). The PTRC at Central Library is part of a network of over 80 centers designated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It disseminates patent and trademark information to the public, helping independent inventors, small business owners, and curious individuals navigate the patenting and trademarking application process.

Stella Mittelbach, the Science, Technology, & Patents Librarian, explained, “We can use library resources to answer a lot of questions about patents and trademarks and show people how to perform a preliminary ‘prior art’ search.” The PTRC offers instructional booklets, research guides, and access to legacy databases like PubEAST and PubWEST, which are invaluable for historical research.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city brimming with innovation and creativity, making it the perfect backdrop for an exhibition like “No Prior Art.” For occasional travelers, we recommend visiting the Central Library not just for the exhibition but also to explore its extensive resources on patents and intellectual property. The library’s Octavia Lab and Koreatown Media Lab offer hands-on experiences that can ignite your creative spark.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the city’s rich history of innovation by visiting other cultural hubs like the California Science Center and the Griffith Observatory. These institutions provide a broader context to the scientific and artistic advancements celebrated in the “No Prior Art” exhibition.

In conclusion, “No Prior Art: Illustrations of Invention” is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of human creativity and the collaborative nature of invention. Whether you’re an occasional traveler or a seasoned explorer, Los Angeles offers a wealth of opportunities to engage with the inventive spirit that drives progress in both the arts and sciences.