James Franco takes his talents higher with his latest project at the MOCA opening of Venice Biennale. For the site-specific installation called “Rebel” is an exhibition that fuses art and pop culture – paying homage to the 1955 movie "Rebel Without a Cause."

Paul McCarthy and Damon McCarthy team up for a video exploring the making of the original “Rebel Without a Cause” movie that features Franco in the role of James Dean – art imitating life since Franco played Dean in a 2001 TNT movie.

James added to the exhibition with his own rebellious work out art by honoring friend and actor Brad Renfro, who died in 2008 at age 25 of a heroin overdose. He had Renfro’s name carved into his right arm with a switchblade, documenting the carving in photography and film. (The carving itself could be seen as one of the show’s more permanent artworks.)

The “Rebel” installation runs from June 2 through Fall 2011 at Venice Biennale.