Public Art

Luminaries of Light and Space

A compendium of artists who found inspiration in the light of Southern California to create transcendental works of art.

West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal.

DUBLAB and the LAX Art Program present an exhibition highlighting pioneers and innovators of one of Los Angeles’ most notable homegrown visual art movements, the Light and Space Movement. Curated by Laura Whitcomb of Label Curatorial, artists featured include Peter Alexander, Larry Bell, Gisela Colón, Laddie John Dill, Fred Eversley, Robert Irwin, John McCracken, Helen Pashgian, Hap Tivey, and De Wain Valentine. The Light and Space Movement explores how light creates permutations within the spectrum of color through the use of Space Age materials and technology that define fields of luminous experience. By condensing the energy of light into sculptural mass, subtle endless space and refraction appear within their rigid forms. The works on view represent  minimalistic forms, and, when engaged with, create spectacular phenomena only visible to the naked eye. Photography and documentation are often unable to reproduce the infinite arrangements of light and color as well as the refractions and nuanced spectral variants created by each artist.

While the artists of the Light and Space Movement explored innovations of materiality forged by the aerospace industry in the 20th century, this installation extends the story of the movement into a new generation of creatives using sustainable materials and renewable energy. The exhibition aims to unify the global disparities of faiths and philosophies— while activating the collective psyche that universally speaks to all cultures via totemic form. The works are assembled to reflect a futuristic “altar” with the notion that we may all access the infinite through the language of geometry
and the science of light. During a rise of social unrest, cultural fractionalization, and environmental threats, this unique, collective installation offers a message of hope and consolation, while  encouraging moments of respite and reflection, separate from the frenetic energy of everyday life.

Exhibition presented by Eli Welbourne of DUBLAB and guest curator Laura Whitcomb. Lighting design by Lux Aeterna. Graphic design by BLOSS. In memory of De Wain Valentine and Jack Brogan. Learn more about the exhibition at dublab.com/luminaries

Locate this exhibition at LAX using our interactive map.

Photos courtesy of SKA Studios LLC. Click image to zoom.

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