Maravilla Station
TO Maravilla Hearts of Token
Jose Lopez, artist
Estimated completion 2009
The primary artwork feature is a series of flat aluminum almond shaped panels that echo the shape of the platform canopy structures. Angled to be viewed by the public on the street to create shadow play by natural and artificial light, the panels will contain images from the past and present-day Boyle Heights community. The panels will be cut out to depict images of historic transit tokens and landmarks in a style reminiscent of papel picado (cut paper) and Japanese wood block prints.
The laminated glass canopies will also include artist selected images of local history and iconic travel imagery. On the west end of the station landscape area, large metal sculptures forming the words “TO…”, done in a Hollywood sign style, physically and symbolically reference travel and direction.
“I am striving to create an exciting day environment. I was inspired by images of transportation tokens from all transit periods in Los Angeles and how this element of our collective histories carries with it personal stories of travel. I intend to use local architectural landmarks which will also bring a familiar image of travel to the station experience.”