Art in Wilshire & Western Station
In 1989 Metro requested artists to incorporate artworks into transportation projects in Los Angeles County. According to Metro "art creates a sense of place and engages transit riders." However, it is important to mention that the art turns the station into a place. The art represents the artist and their desire to transform the station into a place that depicts the diversity of Los Angeles. The target group is not the low-income riders but rather the white collar riders. Through the art white collar riders are introduced into a more modern and diverse city. But the art does not reach out to low-income riders.
This mural represents the diversity of the city, as well as the ethnic make up of riders. Also, this mural serves to create a sense of unity within the community because people from ethnic groups to be showcased next to one another.
By: Thania Lucero
Art Inside the Station:
Mural:
Within the Purple Line's Wilshire and Western Station a large 52-feet long ceramic tile mural is found called "People Coming/ People Going, 1996." The mural was designed by Richard Wyatt. Wyatt was born in Lynwood and raised in Compton and Crenshaw district of Los Angeles. The mural represents the diversity, possible future, and a metaphor for LA as a city always in transition. The artist said it was a challenge to paint into tile, and spent over six months experimenting with this new medium.
Posters:
Posters made by artist that depict a city in Los Angeles are also found in the station. These pieces of art have a short description of them that begin with "the city of...as seen through the eyes of artist..." The function of these posters is to give the artist who created them a voice. It gives them a voice in the sense that these works of art capture a different interpretation of the cities in LA. The posters move away from the traditional portrayal of a city and challenge it.
Art Outside the Station:
Art Outside the Station:
Sculptures:
There are small sculptures that are found outside of the station. They are in the shapes of vases, hands, etc. These are often used by people as chairs. But in reality these "chairs" or "benches" have a dual purpose: they are pieces of art. The sculptures challenge the notion of benches as a mode of advertisement. Often times the benches in bus stations are used to advertise products. However, these "art benches" allow the bus stops to become a place for the display of art.
The electricity box found outside the station is also a form of art. The box is painted with beautiful trees and vibrant colors. The mere fact that this electricity box has been turned into a work of art that depicts nature through trees is ironic. Ironic in the sense that it turns a simple box into something beautiful. This box also has a dual purpose. It is used as a place for social activist to post events.
By: Thania Lucero
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