This is a theater curtain design I submitted a few months ago for a theater in Los Angeles. My design wasn’t selected, but it opened my creativity, and it helped me discover the purpose for my art. This was just the starting point of what was to come. Final design shown below.
The following is the art statement I submitted along with the artwork:
Inspiration, meaning and symbolism
My design is called Uplift & Protect. It is an allegory on the importance of reciprocal support. In this case, I am showcasing two women because I identify with femininity as I am a woman myself, and because I believe that having women come together for any cause is very powerful. Women give life and nurture. I chose two African American women because the Vision Theater serves mainly the African American community.
With this piece my aim is to cultivate love and collaboration not only amongst women, but amongst people from all walks of life. We all come together to enjoy the performing arts and this image will serve as inspiration for everybody.
I am also contrasting the diversity in African American women. Black women, just like the rest of women, have different hair styles. I’m using this element as a symbol of diversity and empowerment. The lady being lifted has hair that is like an umbrella/clouds or anything that can protect the lady sitting down. The lady sitting down provides support for the other to shine. It’s reciprocal, we all need one another.
I was also inspired by the art deco style of the theater. Often in the history of art deco, we find silhouettes and/or outlined bodies. In addition, geometrical shapes are present in this movement like the ones I added to the sides and across the teaser which is resemblant of the motif around the name of the featured performance in the exterior of the theater.
Final Design
Uplift & Protect
Working. on this piece for a little longer than required has helped me discover a more diverse color palette and the addition of words which is something I’ve been wanting to incorporate in my fine art. Hope you find this piece inspiring and warming to your soul.