In Aspen’s Paepcke Park, many local artists have activated the space in ways that attract locals and tourists alike to share in art and creation. One of these activations, made possible by a collaboration between internationally renowned artist Sanford Biggers, Buckhorn Productions, Desert X and Aspen Public Art, is “Unsui (Mirror).”
Biggers’ installation features two mirrored cloud forms, measuring 28 and 23 feet tall, and will be up through September. One is designed as somewhat of a typical cumulus cloud, and the other is smiling down at passersby. Both tower over the park and offer viewers a chance to contemplate and reflect.
“Public art installations are essential because they democratize access to fine art, and over the last decade or so we’ve seen the caliber and breadth of public installations evolve and take more risks, for the better,” Biggers told The Sopris Sun. “They bring art directly into the daily lives of communities who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit museums or galleries.”
“A common misconception about installation art, or fine art in general, is that it’s exclusive or intimidating,” he continued. “By placing artworks in public spaces, we encourage interaction, conversation and fun — making art approachable and fostering a deeper connection with it outside of traditional institutional settings.”
Biggers’ art, which is inspired by Los Angeles graffiti culture to American folk traditions to Buddhist, African and European sculptural forms, also often points to overlooked history relevant to Black culture. He thinks of his creative method as “conceptual patchworking,” wherein he transposes, combines and juxtaposes ideas, forms and genres.
“The clouds you see in “Unsui (Mirror)” are a prime example. They’ve appeared in various mediums, exhibitions and installations of mine since 2012,” Biggers explained. “Conceptually, these clouds embody themes of meditation, Zen Buddhist principles, freedom, fugitivity and a dialogue with their surrounding environment — ideas central to my entire artistic practice.”
His sentiments on accessibility to art were echoed by Tim Sack, executive director of Buckhorn Productions, who said that public art has a way of disrupting day-to-day life in a way that discovery and dialogue can take place in places where they usually are not expected.
“We really feel that public art has a way of pulling people together and then serving as a focal point for gathering and transforming our public space into shared space, inviting guests to pause and become more present in their moment,” said Sack. “Public art has a place in our community as a site for discovery and dialogue. We feel that the impact is felt highly by somewhat disrupting people’s day because it’s something that they hadn’t seen before.”
Folks can see the art come even more to life when DanceAspen performs “Dance in the Clouds” at the installation on Sunday, July 27, from 5:30 to 7pm.
“I can’t say enough good things about DanceAspen and our working relationship,” shared Sack. “I am excited to help bring this kind of community event into Paepcke Park.”
“We love an opportunity when anyone in the community can come with a blanket and have a picnic and go and see a world class dance performance for free,” he continued. “Making it inclusive and allowing anybody who’s interested in theater and culture and performance to be able to take part in it.”
In discussing how the public can continue to support the arts on a larger scale, Biggers said the key is audience participation.
“The best way audiences can support my work, and art in general, is to actively participate in it,” he stated. “This also means supporting local artists and arts organizations in your own community, making a point to visit museums and galleries wherever you travel and continually seeking out public artworks in your surroundings.”
“Unsui (Mirror)” will be floating high at Paepcke Park through September, and the DanceAspen performance occurs Sunday, July 27 at 5:30pm. For more about the artist, Sanford Biggers, visit www.sanfordbiggers.com