Touching up “Truth or Fiction”

Courtesy of City Manager. MAINTENANCE: Nobuho Nagasawa's “Truth or Fiction” is undergoing a one-month restoration effort, which will end its long-time inoperative period. The majority of the restoration work will take place off site.

“Truth or Fiction” by Nobuho Nagasawa was completed in 1995 and is comprised of three free-standing, triangular pillars made of laminated glass etched with images referencing Culver City’s motion picture history. Images include MGM’s Leo the Lion and an enlarged eye from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Spellbound.” At night, the sculpture is illuminated from within — projecting moving phrases, images of native Southern California’s plants and animals, and various visual references from the film industry, including a reel from a movie camera.

On March 31, Charisma Design Studio, Inc. (the original fabricator of the artwork), began the restoration of this beloved permanent artwork, which has not been operational for a long time. The restoration will involve a thorough inspection and, as necessary, the repair of all components (including the electric gear motors); replacement of the existing metal halide lights with longer-lasting and more energy efficient LED bulbs; and a thorough cleaning and resealing of the glass on each of the three pillars. Restoration will take approximately one month to complete, with the majority of the work taking place off-site.