Arts District Liberty Station to debut the latest Installations at the Station sculpture by Kaori Fukuyama, a distinguished multi-disciplinary artist originally from Kumamoto, Japan.
Fukuyama, known for her evocative paintings, drawings, sculptures, and site-specific installations, will bring her unique vision to Arts District Liberty Station with an installation, titled Garden of Transformation/Jardín de Transformación, that exhibits the metamorphosis of monarch butterflies while providing habitat for them during their long journeys of migration.
“We couldn’t be happier to highlight another talented artist in Arts District as part of the Installations at the Station program,” said Lisa Johnson, president and CEO of Arts District Liberty Station. “Kaori does an incredible job of uniting both people and nature with this piece; fostering beauty, and connection, and educating the community all at once. We welcome the community to stop by this brand-new installation as well as take a public art tour of all the wonderful works on display from past years.”
Fukuyama’s work explores the dynamic interactions of color, light, and form, creating immersive experiences that captivate audiences. With a deep passion for public art, she believes in the power of visual art to transcend socio-economic boundaries, making art accessible to everyone. This ethos aligns perfectly with the mission of Arts District Liberty Station, making her selection for this project an ideal match.
Each year, Installations at the Station, overseen by the Art in Public Places Committee (AiPP), has brought thought-provoking and stimulating artworks to the community, featuring works from local artists in the San Diego-Baja region.
Selected at the beginning of 2024, Fukuyama is designing and installing a monarch waystation, highlighting monarch butterflies and their long seasonal migration through the region. The monarch waystation will serve as a powerful symbol of the intercultural relationships and collective journey toward a better future.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the installation will provide a vital habitat for monarch butterflies, an endangered species that frequents the San Diego region during long periods of migration. It will be located at Barracks 2 in Arts District Liberty Station and is set to be complete by the end of October.
“To celebrate the region’s designation as The World Design Capital 2024, I choose this opportunity to design an innovative public art installation that is not only visually engaging but creates habitat for a beautiful and vital species at significant risk of decline, acts as an educational platform, and generates public engagement,” said Fukuyama.
“I hope that this project serves as a gathering place for people of various backgrounds, perhaps from both sides of the border, to be inspired to contribute to the monarch conservation and feel encouraged about making meaningful exchanges between our cultures, sending a message that working together toward a common goal is not only possible but leads to a better future,” Fukuyama said.
The installation will include three main elements: a striking metal sculpture, a dedicated planting area, and informational and educational signage in English and Spanish. Together, these elements will create a visually stunning environment and serve as an educational platform and a gathering place for the community.
Fukuyama’s Garden of Transformation/Jardín de Transformación invites people of all backgrounds to build meaningful cross-cultural relationships and learn more about the connections between humanity and the majestic monarch butterfly. The installation will be located on the North Promenade near Stone Brewing’s outdoor patio and Fukuyama invites viewers to come by and reflect on the interconnectedness of art and nature.
For more information, visit artsdistrictlibertystation.com.
