SKYSCAPES: EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS THAT EXPLORES THE HEAVENS AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Paintings Feature Work by local Los Angeles Artists
(Los Angeles, California – July 16, 2007) Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs today unveiled the group exhibition Skyscapes at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the public corridor between Terminals 2 and 3 on the Lower/Arrivals Level.
Skyscapes is an exhibition of paintings by four local artists, Raoul De La Sota, Leo Limon, Andres Montoya, and Linda Vallejo, whose art explores the earth, yet with special emphasis on its relationship with the sky.
The exhibition is on display through Dec. 31, 2007. De La Sota served as the guest curator for the exhibition. De La Sota is an artist and independent curator whose work has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
"This new exhibit highlights the richness and diversity of Los Angeles to the millions of passengers who pass through LAX everyday," said Allen Rad, LAWA Public Arts Coordinator. "Passengers take with them a unique imprint of LAX and Los Angeles art."
The four artists participating in this exhibit are represented by 17 paintings that address the ancient relationship humans have had with the sky.
Since time immemorial, people have looked to the cosmos for solace, to fulfill their dreams, to foretell their future, to reveal the seasons of planting and harvest, and to predict times of rain and drought, feast and famine.
"Ancient astronomers filled the heavens with figures who supported their oral traditions and religious beliefs," said guest curator De La Sota. "In our contemporary times, artists look to those ancient figures and stories for inspiration."
Raoul De La Sota's work takes form in ancient cosmological beliefs, such as prominent constellations that emerge from the oral traditions of both North and South American cultures. Sky signs and spirits of the Inca, Aztec, Haida and Inuit peoples are included in his work, along with their relationships to their sacred mountains.
The work of Leo Limon addresses the contemporary earthbound realities of Los Angeles, along with the interplay of sky and cultural spirits. His playful representations of the city use the Los Angeles River as a prominent backdrop for the active presence of his ancient deities.
Andres Montoya's artwork reflects the emotionally subtle, yet deeply felt responses that human beings have to the sky. Rich, deep colors in his work reveal the sensory world of the imagination and connect to specific geographical areas.
Linda Vallejo's paintings speak to the viewer in a mantra of space and spirituality. The moon as an enduring feminine symbol plays a large role in many of her works. Clouds envelop the viewer like a blanket with healing powers.
The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs to administer and provide curatorial services for the Art Exhibits Program at LAX and LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT). The purpose of the Arts Exhibits Program is to educate and entertain the traveling public while emphasizing a cultural experience that highlights what makes Los Angeles unique and interesting. The exhibits may be artistic, historical, popular, or graphic design in nature, and may arise from museums, industry, design, fine art, theater, archives, sports, environment, transportation or other fields. Exhibitions are currently on display in Terminal 1 and in Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, and in Terminals 2 and 4 at ONT.
