Featuring the green spaces of Atlanta, Portals presents the concept that industry, nature, and humanity can live cohesively by inviting viewers to imagine the potential of reconsidering the value of waste materials. This body of work is inspired by the artist's admiration for Atlanta's efforts to preserve and protect its green spaces, a sentiment that resonates with the local community. It highlights the unique beauty of the "City in the Trees" and the local community of artisans who contributed to its creation—Robert Downing (photo contribution), The Neon Company (neon), Fred Martin Welding (steel fabrication), ATL PrintMasters (printing and vinyl), Full Bloom by Lauren (floral design) and AKR Productions (photography contribution).
PORTAL 01
Portal 01 is the first of Pilar's conceptual series PORTALS located inside the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The installation, located in the main Atrium of the airport, connects travelers to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, a staple of the city’s culture. The work is comprised of cobalt blue neon or a portal, and a photograph of a serene waterfall, taken by photographer Kara Wise/AKR Productions, in the gardens that has been purposely warped. This portal takes us to an oasis located in the heart of midtown; the 30-acres of outdoor gardens are alive with thriving plant-life, conservational research, and educational programs that build connections between communities and nature. From the side of the display case, the work is visible through a photograph, taken by AKR Productions, of the dense Storza forest where Portal 01 sits atop concrete ruble that nature has seemingly reclaimed, a petrified floral install by Full Bloom By Lauren. This display was on view between June and November 2024, and featured in conversation with Pilar on WABE’s City Lights radio program.
Photo by Theo Preiswerk
PORTAL 00
The inaugural Atlanta Art Fair welcomes Pilar's second installation for the series PORTALS titled Portal 00. The fairgrounds hosted artists and galleries from all over the country, but the creative community of the host city made its presence known. Pilar’s work was chosen to represent the Millennium Gate Museum in a cultural partner booth. This portal promotes the museum’s mission to preserve and cultivate a biodiverse green space on their property alongside their many other social and civil accolades; behind the museum, amidst a bustling urban landscape, you can find a walkable park and a lake housing schools of goldfish available for citizens, wildlife, and native plants to enjoy alike. The booth contained three works, including a 7ft steel sculpture with a glowing cobalt portal standing out against a black wall and two flanking pieces from “collection one” of quilted plastic in a black matte and gloss finish, and a living tree near the booth. The works were on display publicly during the fair between October 3rd and 6th 2024.
Photo by Theo Preiswerk
