By: Emily Safron
Hollywood, CA, (The Hollywood Times) 6/21/24
Accidentally Wes Anderson (AWA) began as a travel bucket list in 2017 based on film director Wes Anderson’s vibrant films and imagery. What began as an Instagram account has now spanned into a NYT Bestselling book, merchandise and multiple exhibitions across the world. “We curated this space to not only be something for Wes Anderson fans, but also for people who enjoy interesting stories and unique photos. It’s about exploring the world, no passport required,” shared Wally Koval, founder of AWA.
Their most recent endeavor is an exhibit in Los Angeles, containing hundreds of photos from every single continent. The photos displayed are a mix of photos from founders Wally and Amanda and the AWA Community. “We curated the photos into multiple themed rooms from Maritime to Sports, Classic Facades to Transportation – there is even a room dedicated to the most AWA places in the City of Angels,” shared Wally. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the photo booth and the Adventure Cinema, described as an ‘inspirational space, with projections of true travel adventures’.
With over ten beautifully different rooms, Wally has a hard time picking a favorite, but for this exhibit in particular, the LA room is his favorite. “Our LA Room is really special, showcasing new photographers and places around the city.” he shared. “There are even six “empty frames” where visitors can submit their own photo to be included in the Exhibition – so maybe one of those will be my favorite!”
The AWA Community and exhibits would not be here without Wes Anderson, who has inspired Wally and other fans in multiple ways. “Looking at the real world through this slightly different lens has unlocked an entire new ecosystem of understanding when looking at the world around us.” he shared of Anderson’s films. “A big part of AWA is that yes, we look for the symmetry and color of a photo that fits our aesthetic, but we also look for the stories behind the facade – that is where the most interesting bits and bobs are uncovered.” Wally’s top three favorite Wes Anderson films are The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The French Dispatch and Bottle Rocket.”
To learn more about the Accidentally Wes Anderson exhibit and to buy tickets, visit https://feverup.com/m/162804. Those interested in more AWA content are encouraged to follow @accidentallywesanderson and @fever_us on Instagram. Wally and Amanda will also be releasing a new book in October, which is available for pre-order on their website accidentallywesanderson.com!