press release:

New public artwork is now on view at White Center Square, at the intersection of 15th Avenue SW and SW 100th Street, in the heart of downtown White Center. This neighborhood enhancement is an initiative of the White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA) and was sponsored by King County.

The suite of sculptures, entitled “The Three Auroras,” was created by the renowned Seattle painter and public artist Juan Alonso-Rodriguez. Gracefully designed and fashioned from untreated steel, the artwork was developed to evolve organically as the material is weathered by the elements. “The work installed at White Center Square was born out of a series of paintings inspired by the undulations of the northern lights, and by the grace of calligraphy”, notes the artist. “The work is intended to change over time, and will develop purposeful streaks that will linger on the wall, eventually fading into a fossil-like state.” Open to a wide range of interpretations, the artwork also suggests the rhythm and flow of musical notation, the evanescence of memory, and of many beautiful and enigmatic written languages in use both in White Center, and half a world away.

“Over the years, my images and subjects have changed, along with mediums and techniques,” says Alonso-Rodriguez. “I have found that, more than anything, humanity is the driving force in my work. I was born in Havana, Cuba. The quick loss of innocence I experienced as a young person in a foreign place, learning a new language, and growing up without my immediate family, will always affect my work.”

After considering several possible sites for the series, Alonso-Rodriguez selected the southern façade of the recently developed marketplace, a thriving hub in the community. The artist’s work was warmly welcomed by the Square’s developer, Con and Willie Vong, owners of Hung Long Asian Market.

“The art is a great addition to our building,” said Willie. “I am excited that our property was chosen to display the art and it enhances the retail experience for our customers.”

This is the third major sculptural commission for Juan Alonso-Rodriguez in the White Center area. In 2010, “Sentinels” was commissioned for Chief Sealth International High School, in partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission; and in 2007, he was commissioned by the King County Housing Authority to develop a public plaza, seating, enhanced pavement and a sculpture series for Maori Park, a community gathering place within the Greenbridge community. More widely, he is the recipient of numerous public and private grants, awards and commissions, and he was the 2010 recipient of the prestigious City of Seattle Mayor’s Arts Award.

Additional work by the artist can be viewed at http://juanalonso.info/.

More information on Hung Long Asian Market can be found at www.visitwhitecenter.com.