FROM HEAD TO TOE: LA/ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXHIBITS WEARABLE ART

(Ontario, California – March 19, 2009)  Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, announces a new exhibition on display at LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT).   “Art 2 Wear: Accoutrements” features one-of-a-kind, artist-made accessories including hats, shoes, jewelry and purses. Gabrielle, manager of The Artists’ Studio Galleries at the PalosVerdesArtCenter in Rancho Palos Verdes and The Village in Rolling Hills Estates, served as guest curator. Over 40 artists, national and international, are featured in the exhibition.

The exhibit is on display in four cases in Terminal 2 and in eight cases in Terminal 4 through September 23, 2009. The exhibit is on view for ticketed passengers.  

Wearable art can most simply be defined as works of art meant to be worn. The creations may be whimsical, theatrical or sculptural.  A pair of shoes or a hat becomes more than bodily ornamentation; the artist’s creation is an expressive statement raising the article of clothing or accessory to the level of fine art and original design.

“The art-to-wear accessory is the unique creation of an artist who seeks a fresh alternative to the conventional media of painting or sculpture. The human body serves as the canvas and frame. Activated by the wearer’s body movement, the work assumes the attributes of kinetic sculpture,” states Gabrielle.

ONT Art 2 Wear Exhibition: Page 2 

For centuries, humans have embraced wearing works of art to express ideas or feelings. “Human beings have been involved in the art of adornment almost since the beginning of time. Clothing may have been the earliest form of artistic expression,” says Gabrielle. Objects on display include intricate mesh jewelry and purses, elaborate beaded necklaces, and fantastical knitted and crocheted hats.

The purpose of the Art Exhibits Program at ONT and Los Angeles International (LAX) is to educate and entertain the traveling public, while emphasizing a cultural experience highlighting what makes Southern California unique and interesting. Exhibits may be historic, popular, artistic, or graphic design in nature and may arise from museums, fine art, archives, environment, or other fields. Exhibits are on display in Terminals 2 and 4 at ONT, and Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. LAWA, a City of Los Angeles department, owns and operates LAX, ONT and Van Nuys General Aviation.