'Art Rise 2021' Neon Mural Install: L.A. Photos Of Week

LOS ANGELES, CA — LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will unveil to the public next week its large-scale, neon mural installation, "Only Light Can Do That, 2021," addressing pandemic-related, mental well-being, connection and healing, as part of the civic "Art Rise 2021," at the downtown LA Plaza in Los Angeles.

Beginning at dusk May 7, locals can walk or drive by the glow show from multimedia artist Patrick Martinez, meant to transform LA Plaza’s Vickrey-Brunswig and Plaza House windows into bilingual, social-political messages addressing the plight and resilience of essential workers in L.A., according to organizers.

“Creating this site-specific public installation is something I wanted to make happen for the people of Los Angeles, and, at the same time, I wanted to unpack the past year for myself while composing this body of work,” said the Pasadena-based artist.

The LA Plaza exhibit, which will run through Sept. 5 at 501 North Main St., is one of 21 art experiences, created with local museums and artists, tackling pandemic-related themes across Los Angeles County. "Art Rise" is a city-wide arts initiative sponsored by Cause Communications, in partnership with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

This new installation, titled "Only Light Can Do That, 2021," references Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Loving Your Enemies” sermon given in 1957 at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala.

Creating more than 25 new neon artworks as part of the LA Plaza installation, Martinez’ goals were "to inspire connection between the urban minority experience, increase awareness about the communities most impacted by the pandemic, promote dialogue related to issues of immigration and equality, and give recognition to the behind-the-scenes heroes who champion representation and healing for all," organizers said.

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