Portland, OR – The Regional Arts and Culture Council in collaboration with the Port of Portland has announced the selection of two artists, Yunhee Choi and Sanford Biggers. Both artists will create a unique piece of art to be permanently installed in the new main terminal facility at Portland International Airport (PDX). Choi and Biggers’ artwork will be part of the first phase of the PDX terminal core redevelopment project — the key project in the $2 billion overall renovation. Choi and Biggers’ designs will be on display when the new terminal opens in May 2024. These are the first of many artworks to be commissioned for TCORE.
Yoonhee Choi, Portland, Oregon, will compose an artwork design for two glass walls located in the pre-security queuing area for the North and South TSA checkpoints. Her first commissioned public artwork, Choi’s two 56-foot-long, 11-foot-high glass walls will be visible from both the connector corridor and the security queuing area. These large-scale works will be site-specific compositions developed from Choi’s mixed media collages that are both whimsical and structured in their design.
The Sanford Biggers Oracle at Rockefeller Center. (Photo courtesy of RACC)
Sanford Biggers, New York, will create two large-scale artworks that will be suspended from the ceiling in an area between the two concourse entrances and located around the concession stands. These post-security artworks will greet passengers after they pass through TSA security checkpoints. This work is Biggers’ first commissioned public artwork in the Pacific Northwest, and these sculptures will be in dialogue with his quilt-based works that he has been working on since 2009, entitled the Codex series.
“When we opened the request for proposals last year, in partnership with RACC, our goal was to create opportunities for historically underrepresented artists and increase the visibility of unique perspectives in PDX,” said Wendy Given, Port of Portland Program Manager. “With the selection of Yoonhee Choi and Sanford Biggers, I believe we are achieving these goals. Both are world-class artists and it will be a privilege to have their stellar work integrated into the fabric of PDX for thousands of travelers to experience every day.”
Yoonhee Choi – “As an immigrant and artist living in Portland, I am especially excited to have this opportunity to create such a significant piece of art that will help represent our city to the world. The focus of my practice is the creation of site-specific artworks that respond to their individual situation and environment. I am inspired by the towering and sensitive design of the PDX redevelopment and captivated by how an airport is the gateway to the beginning and end of so many meaningful and memorable journeys.”
Sanford Biggers – “I am excited to display a large-scale permanent installation as part of the PDX Terminal Redevelopment Project and for the occasion to engage in dialogue with the rich artistic heritage of the Northwest. The unique opportunity of this project and the architecture designed by ZGF Architects inspired me to consider how I could create a work of art that responds directly to the context of a space that embodies transition, energy, interaction, movement and potential.
“RACC is simply thrilled with these selections and our opportunity to continue our partnership with the Port of Portland and the art selection team there,” said Christine Calhoun, director of Public Art. “The selection of these artists by an art panel run by the RACC is emblematic of the work we strive to do every day. With Yoonhee Choi works with the amazing artists in our region, helping them in the process of developing and transitioning their studio art practice into their first public art commission. Sanford Biggers and his team have been a joy to work with and we at RACC are very proud to be a part of presenting his first public artwork in the Pacific Northwest at PDX Airport.”
For the Regional Council for Arts and Culture
The Regional Arts and Culture Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides impactful and transformative funding for artists and nonprofits in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties; runs an acclaimed public art program; runs an arts advocacy and education program; and offers a wide range of technical and professional development workshops. RACC advocates for equity, inclusion and access, working to build a community where everyone can participate in culture, creativity and the arts. We remain steadfast in our mission to enrich every neighborhood we serve. For more information, visit racc.org.
For port portland
With three airports, four marine terminals and five business parks, the Port of Portland is an economic engine for making the region a place where everyone is welcome, empowered and connected to the opportunity to find a good job or grow their business. The Port works to remove barriers and provide access to people and local businesses who have been left out of the region’s economic growth — including people of color, low-income workers and people with disabilities. Collectively, the port is leading major projects in the region, including expanding PDX Airport and making it more accessible and efficient; transforming a former marine terminal into a place for innovation in housing and mass timber industry; and providing more opportunities for Pacific Northwest businesses to ship their products worldwide. For more information, visit www.PortofPortland.com.