MOCA Gift: Hilary Pecis
Hilary Pecis, Silverlake Hillside , 2025. Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, purchased with funds provided by Shari Glazer Hilary Pecis is known for Fauve-inspired streetscapes. MOCA has recently acquired Silverlake Hillside (2025), a purchase funded by tech entrepreneur and Manchester United team owner Shari Glazer. Measuring 77 by 92 in., the acrylic-on-linen painting features Western Exterminator Company's "Little Man" logo, a top-hatted gent about to pulverize a rodent ("Menace Mouse"). The rather disturbing image was designed in 1931 by commercial artist Vaughn Kaufman. Pecis' composition omits Menace Mouse but does include the line of 21 neon mice scampering beneath the Western Exterminator sign. Installed in 1952, the neon mice were animated until the 1960s, when the city decided they were too distracting to drivers on the 101 freeway. "Little Man" sign, Silverlake
