Pasadena Arts and Culture Commission to Review Final Art Plan for ‘Rosa Geometrica’ by Emily Nicolosi – Pasadena Now

The Pasadena Arts and Culture Commission will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 8, and review and potentially approve the final art plan for Phase IV of the rotating site-adapted public art program called “Rosa Geometrica.”

Director Jennifer Page of the Department of Planning and Community Development moved that the Commission approve the work envisioned by artist Emily Nicolosi, representing In Theory Art Collective, as the final art plan.

The work is proposed to be installed on Bonny Avenue/Bul. Del Mar. site in district 7.

At the meeting, the Arts and Culture Commission will likely approve Nicolosi’s work and confirm that the Final Art Plan for this site-responsive artwork complies with the administrative procedures outlined in the city’s Public Art Guidelines.

The rotating public art program, launched in 2011, seeks to imbue the city’s urban landscape with engaging and dynamic public art, providing residents and visitors with a unique visual experience. The program transforms often-neglected areas throughout the city into vibrant destinations, thereby enhancing Pasadena’s cultural vibrancy.

After successfully installing 26 artworks during Phases I, II, and III, the program recently completed the selection process for Phase IV in the spring of 2023. A selection panel recommended eight artworks for Phase IV, including six existing works by the art and two concepts adapted to the site, which received approval from the Arts and Culture Commission in April 2023.

Once approved, the final art plan for “Rosa Geometrica” ​​will move into the execution phase, with the artwork being constructed by the artist’s team in the fall of 2023 and expected to grace the site in early 2024.

As explained in a planning department preliminary report, “Rosa Geometrica” offers a fresh interpretation of the iconic rose, a symbol deeply woven into Pasadena’s identity.

“We offer a creative, geometric spin on the rose shape that we believe reflects how the Pasadena community and environment are taking an enduring symbol and making it uniquely their own,” reads the artist’s explanation of the artwork included in the report. “Furthermore, the geometric form calls for reflection on the relationship between science and nature, art and mathematics. Geometric shapes are used in many different STEAM fields. The geometric shape of the piece is particularly appropriate given the proximity of the artwork to Pasadena City College with their work in the STEAM field. The proposed artwork will help shine a light on PCC’s work in STEAM and make these connections available to a wider audience.”

The explanation is that the rose has been a ubiquitous subject in art history for centuries. The rose was also chosen as the symbol of Pasadena because of its cultural significance to the city’s Spanish and Latin American heritage.

“We offer a durable powder-coated steel form in a pearl shade that reflects the bright, sunny California beauty of Pasadena,” the explanation continues. “The proposed artwork for Pasadena reflects our style of making art: creating astonishing sculptures that bring a sense of awe and wonder to the public. We believe our artistic vision will help reflect the spirit of Pasadena and be a lasting and lasting attraction for both the community and tourists.

The proposed artwork will be constructed from 1.5″ and 2″ steel tubing as well as 1/16″ steel panels. The work will stand firmly on a steel box base attached to the existing concrete pad and illuminated by nearby outdoor lighting.

To find out more about the final arts plan, visit the Commission for Arts and Culture webpage, www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/arts-culture-commission/.