Portland and Guadalajara connections: public art, architecture and parks
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(Photos by Carol Chadwick)
Mr. Alejandro Colunga, Guadalajara, Mexico’s whimsical creator of ‘socially interactive sculptures’ for forty years invites one to sit, rest and think a while–a respite from the sometimes hectic pace of cities like Portland or Guadalajara–our sister city!
Other public art and the architecture of Guadalajara’s ‘centro historico’ district itself creates a pleasing Tapatia Plaza of public displays that deserve a closer look! Nearby in suburban Tlaquepaque one can promenade through a host of upscale art galleries (Avenida Independencia) with similar sculpture prominent all along the way in front of galleries housed in spacious garden homes once owned by the wealthy.
Along Puerto Vallarta’s malecon (“Rotunda of the Sea”) Mr. Colunga has created yet another collection of statues. Notwithstanding his 63 years, he still maintains a busy working day with both his sculpture and painting. The following video [BELOW] by Romanian producer and director Antoniu V. Moldova captures his vigor and enduring enthusiasm for his work (in Spanish).
Portland and Guadalajara’s twenty plus year ‘sister-city’ relationship led to a commission for Mr. Colunga in 2004. The bronze/steel statue now stands in the foyer of the Portland Center for the Performing Arts.
Mago Hermano by Alejandro Colunga
It constitutes but one piece in a growing collection of public art which one can visit on Portland’s ‘Public Art Walking Tour.’
Another fruit of the the sister city relationship is Portland’s role in helping Guadalajara create their own version of our Forest Park–Jardin Portland: ‘gathering spaces’ Northwest of the city for local Guadalajara residents (to be completed in 2011).
Jardin Portland Announcement
Jardin Portland Grounds
