Pasadena’s Arts & Culture Commission to Review Final Art Plan for ‘Rosa Geometrica’ by Emily Nicolosi

Pasadena’s Arts & Culture Commission will convene on Wednesday, Nov. 8, and examine and potentially approve the Final Art Plan for the Rotating Public Art Program’s Phase IV site-responsive artwork called “Rosa Geometrica.”

Director Jennifer Paige of the Department of Planning and Community Development, is proposing that the Commission approve the piece as envisioned by artist Emily Nicolosi, representing the In Theory Art Collective, as the Final Art Plan. 

The artwork is proposed to be installed on a Bonnie Avenue/Del Mar Blvd. site in District 7.

At the meeting, the Arts and Culture Commission is likely to approve Nicolosi’s work and to confirm that the Final Art Plan for this site-responsive artwork aligns with the administrative procedures outlined in the City’s Capital Public Art Guidelines.

The Rotating Public Art Program, initiated in 2011, seeks to infuse the city’ urban landscape with engaging and dynamic public art, providing residents and visitors with a unique visual experience. The program transforms often-overlooked areas throughout the city into vibrant destinations, thereby enhancing Pasadena’s cultural vitality.

Having successfully installed 26 artworks during Phases I, II, and III, the program recently concluded the selection process for Phase IV in the spring of 2023. A Selection Panel recommended eight artworks for Phase IV, including six existing artworks and two site-responsive concepts, which received approval from the Arts & Culture Commission in April 2023.

Upon approval, the Final Art Plan for “Rosa Geometrica’ will transition into the implementation phase, with the artwork set to be constructed by the artist-team in the fall of 2023 and expected to grace the site in early 2024.

As explained in a preliminary Planning Department report, “Rosa Geometrica” offers a fresh interpretation of the iconic rose, a symbol deeply entwined with Pasadena’s identity. 

“We propose a creative, geometric spin on the form of a rose which we believe reflects how the Pasadena community and environment take an enduring symbol and make it uniquely their own,” the artist’s explanation of the artwork included in the report said. “Further, the geometric form calls for reflection on the connection between science and nature, art and mathematics. Geometric forms are used in many different STEAM fields. The geometric form of the artwork is especially fitting given the artwork’s proximity to Pasadena City College with their work in the STEAM field. The proposed artwork will help shine a light on PCC’s work in STEAM and make those connections accessible to a wider audience.”

The explanation said the rose has been a ubiquitous subject in art history for centuries. The rose was also selected as the symbol of Pasadena due to its cultural significance to the city’s Hispanic and Latin American heritage. 

“We propose a durable steel form with powder coating in a pearlescent hue which reflects the bright, sunny California beauty of Pasadena,” the explanation continued. “The proposed artwork for Pasadena reflects our style of artmaking: creating astonishing sculptures that bring a sense of awe and wonder to the audience. We believe our artistic vision will help to reflect the spirit of Pasadena and will be a durable and enduring draw both for the community and tourists.” 

The proposed artwork will be constructed from 1.5″ and 2″ steel tubing, as well as 1/16″ steel panels. The artwork will stand robustly on a steel box base, attached to the existing concrete pad, and illuminated by nearby outdoor lighting.

To learn more about the Final Art Plan, visit the Arts and Culture Commission webpage, www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/arts-culture-commission/.