ARTIST’S ANIMAL CARAVAN ILLUMINATES ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN NEW EXHIBIT AT LAX
(Los Angeles, California – May 9, 2013) Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, announces a new installation by artist Cynthia Minet at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Packing (Caravan) consists of four life-sized domesticated animals made from recycled and repurposed plastic containers, children’s toys, and other everyday objects lit with LEDs. These enlightened plastic sculptures grew out of Minet’s concern about the environment and society’s insatiable desire for disposable goods, while simultaneously recognizing the international travel experience in a humorous way. The installation is on display in the Tom Bradley International Terminal Customs Hall on the Lower/Arrivals level for ticketed passengers through September 2013.
Packing (Caravan) , part of Minet’s Unsustainable Creatures series, was inspired by draft animals used in settling the Western United States. It also references Minet’s interest in emphasizing worldwide dependence on rampant consumerism and electricity and petroleum-based products. Viewers will undoubtedly recognize discarded food containers or empty laundry detergent bottles representing hoof, horn or hind of the animals.
About Los Angeles World Airports Art Program
Initiated in 1990, the purpose of the LAWA Art Program is to provide opportunities for educational, entertaining, and enriching cultural experiences for the traveling public at LAX and LA/Ontario International Airports and the LAX FlyAway® bus terminal. The program showcases local and regional artists through temporary exhibitions and permanent public art installations, which enhance and humanize the overall travel experience for millions every year.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the sixth busiest airport in the world and third in the United States, offering 680 daily flights to 96 domestic cities and 930 weekly nonstop flights to 59 cities in 30 countries on 63 commercial air carriers. It ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in air cargo tonnage processed. In 2012, LAX served nearly 63.7 million passengers, processed over 1.9 million tons of air cargo valued at over $86.9 billion, and handled 605,480 aircraft operations (landings and takeoffs). An economic impact study in 2011 reported that operations at LAX generated 294,400 jobs in Los Angeles County with labor income of $13.6 billion and economic output of more than $39.7 billion. This activity added $2.5 billion to local and state revenues. LAX is part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.
