Pasadena — Public Art

 



                                                                                        THE SITE

The city of Pasadena is where I reside, and have been since I was eight. I honestly have rarely explored Pasadena, since I have always been a homebody. I don't really see a lot of public art where I am located, but near old Pasadena there is some murals. 

                                                                                     FIELD WORK


"Quetzalcoatl" 1968 - by Ernest Saenz
A colorful mural painted with yellows, blues, and earth tones. Featuring Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent God of Aztec/Nahuatl tradition; bound with wind, creation, wisdom, and Venus. 
Depicting symbols and figures of Mesoamerican deities. Also representing community and indigenous voices. 
This piece was designed by Saenz but also had been painted by teenagers.
The piece is one of many in Pasadena that represents community and diversity. A well kept piece that gets refreshed every once in a while--- Showcasing a rooted connection to Pasadena. 

This piece also represents the Chicano movement reclamation of Indigenous roots. 



https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-art/artwork/quetzalcoatl/

Located: Pasadena Central Park / 37 E Del Mar Blvd

Materials: Acrylic paint 








"Welcoming Monument" 
This piece technically is not considered a titled work, but more so a decorative entrance. Despite that, a closer look at the tiles illustrate hand painted mosaic tiles. Appearing to include small writing/messages, most likely being done with student involvement. 
This entrance was most likely done by a community and installed possibly in the late 1970s to 1990s. 

The tiles seem to represent peace and love, implied based off the tree, which also seems to represent the Tree of life. Encompassing growth, connection, and roots. 

Located: Central Park, Pasadena, CA 275 S Raymond Ave

Materials:  Tile mosaic panel











"Central Park Play Environment" -- 1999 

By Jane MacDonald Adrian, Antje Hammer 

A bench with mosaic tile that represents Pasadena's history, and meant to capture what a child's imagination would encompass. Through the shapes, textures, and colors-- the bench is one of many in the park area. They are education and narrative, meant to showcase Pasadena's history through four themes. 

The past: local history and heritage; The Sciences: Scientific elements, Nature, ecology; The Arts: creativity and cultural expression, and finally Places: specific locations and landmarks in Pasadena. 

Materials: Handcrafted ceramic tiles, glazed and painted. 

Location:  Central Park, Pasadena, CA 275 S Raymond Ave

"Greetings from Pasadena" 2024 - By Victor Ving & Lisa Beggs
This mural celebrates Pasadena's history, identity, and beauty. Spotlighting the Pasadena city hall and the iconic dome standing out from the sunset--- symbolizing the "Crown city" nickname. 
The oranges and blossoms embodies Pasadena's historic citrus industry and orange groves, Which were apparently economically vital in the early 20th century. 
The palm trees and San Gabriel mountains shed a light on Pasadena's beautiful landscape. Along with the parrots that are flying over, alluding to Pasadena's famous parrot population. 

The piece is meant to boost local pride and welcome new communities. It's a nice representation of Pasadena with it's vibrant palette.

 Location: 130 E Colorado Blvd, Old Pasadena




                                                                            CRITICAL ANALYSIS    

Many of the public artworks in Pasadena represent diversity and community. As well as a strong natural identity, many featuring Pasadena's landmarks: City Hall Dome, the landscape, and events such as the Rose parade. Highlighting Pasadena's welcoming community and pride. Biodiversity and nature occur in this pattern as well; as many pieces incorporate themes with birds, trees, and flowers. Revealing Pasadena's care for environmental awareness and illustrates the city's historic connection to citrus groves. 

Pasadena is a diverse, welcoming community, which is shown through public artworks through Old town Pasadena. 

                                                                             PROPOSAL 

The area I live in Pasadena lacks a lot of public art, that is something I dislike and wish to see more. Pasadena may be known for it's strong public art program, like (Greetings Tour). But I feel like in areas that aren't parks and populated areas that attract tourists, should have more art. Pasadena has so much and so little at the same time. 

For example, I believe neighborhoods in Pasadena should incorporate more public artworks, that also could reflect the community there. Rather a majority of murals representing Pasadena itself. 





















Location: Pasadena, CA, USA

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