INSIDE OUT: ART EXHIBIT EXAMINES IDENTITY THROUGH OBJECTS AT LAX

(Los Angeles, California – April 6, 2010)  Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs,announces a new exhibition titled Stranger’s Luggage consisting of six 8’ x 8’ vinyl reproductions of oil and encaustic paintings by Juanita Meneses, depicting hand-painted bags and their x-rayed contents on display at Los AngelesInternationalAirport (LAX) until July 25, 2010.

Located in Terminal 3, in the baggage claim, for public view, Meneses puts a playful spotlight on the experience of travel, and particularly on the selection of objects we feel compelled to carry while in transit.  “The Stranger’s Luggage series is an invitation to travelers to indulge in a moment of whimsy by exploring the interior of these colorful bags in the form of giant vinyl banners,” states the Los Angeles-based artist.

Almost like self portraits, Meneses’ imagery reveals how objects can identify as well as aid us as we move through the transformative experience of travel .  By removing these objects from their usual domestic context, Meneses’ artworks provide an opportunity to contemplate conventional, personal objects as they travel through the public sphere.

            The purpose of the Airport Arts Exhibition Program at LAX and LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT), is to educate and entertain the traveling public, while emphasizing a cultural experience highlighting what makes Los Angeles memorable 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. Exhibitions can be found on display in Terminals 1, 2, 3 and Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, and Terminals 2 and 4 at LA/Ontario.