Artwork Detail

Flight

Artist: Van Sant, Tom

Object Date: 1970

Medium: Aluminum

Imperial Dims: Overall: 120 x 24 in.

Department(s): Public Library

Supervisorial District: 4

About the Artwork:

Hung high above the Huntington Park Library’s main stairway, Flight is a curved, asymmetrical shape, which resembles various flying figures depending on which angle it is viewed. Reminiscent of a bird or a bat with its wings outstretched, it is made of aluminum and suspended by three center cables. Artist Tom Van Sant dedicated the artwork in a public ceremony at the library on July 20, 1970.

About the Artist:

Tom Van Sant has created over sixty public murals and sculptures. His artwork can be found throughout southern California as well as internationally, including in the Honolulu, Taipei and Los Angeles airports. Van Sant was born in Los Angeles in 1931. He received a BA from Stanford University, a MFA from Otis Art Institute, and a MA in Environmental Arts and Sciences from Goddard College. Two other Van Sant artworks are held in Los Angeles County’s Collection, Inventive Progress of Man at the Bell Library, and Flight at the Huntington Park Library.