City Welcomes Vibrant New Art on Park Lane
Published on August 12, 2020
Media Contact:
Kellie Stickney
Communications Program Manager
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562
KIRKLAND, Wash. – The City of Kirkland, the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission, Hinojos & Jimenez Art, and Centro Cultural Mexicano of Redmond invite our residents and guests to enjoy a brand-new public art exhibition positioned along Park Lane.
This vibrant, four-piece series was funded through the King County COVID-19 Response Fund and two grants from 4Culture, and is meant to tell the story of hope, strength and resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each sculpture is unique and portrays a different message, and all are wearing face coverings to represent our current COVID reality. The pieces were crafted by two Mexican American artists, Angie Hinojos Yusuf and Carlos Jimenez, and are titled Life/La Vida, Care/Cuidate, Wisdom/Sabiduria and Hope/El Futuro.
Meant to create a space for connection and COVID-19 awareness, the pieces reflect the rich heritage, symbolism, tradition, and history of the Mexican culture.
The Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission felt that the art was a great fit for Park Lane. The new sculptures tell a compelling story while aligning with the City’s journey from being the first domestic epicenter of COVID-19 to now being the epicenter of resilience. The KCAC’s recommendation to move forward with the art was advanced by the City Council, which approved the art installation unanimously.
“We are thrilled with Angie Hinojos Yusuf and Carlos Jimenez’ generosity and appreciate their willingness to share their art with our community,” said Councilmember Kelli Curtis. “This series tells our story beautifully, through vivid colors and inspiring symbolism, while embracing diversity and inclusivity. We invite you to explore this dynamic exhibit and hope that you love it as much as we do.”
The sculptures are poised along Park Lane near Starbucks, Cactus Restaurant, Zeeks Pizza and Beijing O’Chef. The message of Life is portrayed by a masked woman meant to represent the beauty of life, while Care is the image of a farmworker that represents our state’s Latino essential workers who ensure that healthy food is on our tables even in a pandemic. Hope is represented by the new generation, to remind us to work toward a better future, and Wisdom is represented by a senior citizen to remind us of the value and experience that seniors can offer in these difficult times.
“On behalf of the City of Kirkland and the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission, we are so excited to share these timely, cultural, and colorful sculptures installed on Park Lane for everyone in the community to enjoy,” said Tere Alonso Thompson, Cultural Arts Commissioner and Chair of the Park Lane Sculpture Committee. “The images beautifully illustrate the value of caring for one another and one’s community. It has been a pleasure working with Angie Hinojos Yusuf and Carlos Jimenez to arrange this outdoor exhibit and we are extremely grateful for their generosity and collaboration. We hope these special pieces will offer everyone inspiration, joy and comfort.”
“En nombre de la Ciudad de Kirkland y de la Comisión de Artes Culturales de Kirkland, estamos muy entusiasmados de tener la oportunidad de poder compartir estas coloridas y culturales esculturas instaladas en Park Lane para que todos en la comunidad las disfruten,” dijo Tere Alonso Thompson, Comisionada de Artes Culturales y Chair del Comité de Escultura de Park Lane. “Las imágenes ilustran maravillosamente la importancia de cuidarnos unos a otros y a la comunidad. Ha sido un placer trabajar con Angie Hinojos Yusuf y Carlos Jimenez para organizar esta exposición al aire libre y estamos muy agradecidos por su generosidad y colaboración. Esperamos que estas piezas especiales ofrezcan inspiración, alegría y tranquilidad a todos.”
Each piece rests on a four-foot by four-foot base and stands eight feet tall. The art will be in place for approximately two months.