Al Aire Libre
Justin Favela
About the exhibition
Multidisciplinary artist Justin Favela is known for grand murals of desert landscapes, sculptures of lowriders, and gigantic foods all created from the basic materials of glue, cardboard, and tissue paper in the style of colossal piñatas. The artworks evoke joy, humor, and delight with a pop art glam, while conveying ideas about authenticity, place, and the Latinx diaspora in America.
Al Aire Libre, which translates to “Free Flight”, is an immersive mural featuring national birds from several of the countries composing the Latin American diaspora in Indianapolis. Shown left to right are the golden eagle of Mexico, tocororo of Cuba, cotinga of Peru, the keel-billed toucan of Belize, Andean condor of Colombia, resplendent quetzal of Guatemala, and the Puerto Rican spindalis. These symbols of national pride are set against a dramatic, multicolored background inspired by an Indianapolis sunset. Seamlessly blending symbology from Latin America with the Circle City, Favela contemplates the meaning of “home” and “identity” by connecting physically distant spaces and personifying an experience many Latin American people feel when relocating.
This exhibition is a collaboration between Buckingham Companies, CityWay and 60 on Center.
April 23, 2021 through March 9, 2022
please call 317.624.8200 for public availability
Closing reception March 9, 5-7pm
CityWay Gallery
at the Alexander Hotel
216 E. South St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Admission is free