Los Angeles artist Rolland Berry expects this week to finish a wall-sized mural in Laguna Canyon to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sawdust Festival and pay homage to native American culture.
The mural features two mirror-image profiles of native American women wearing elaborate head dresses symbolizing strength, courage and accomplishment and the diverse origins of Americans, said Adam Casper, a local resident and artist’s representative.
“Making this connection to Laguna Beach, we thought it would open more doors for artists taking their art from the inside of galleries outside. It’s better on the outside,” said Casper, who also represented British street artist Ben Eine, creator of two murals in Laguna Beach last September “Charming” still survives in North Laguna.
The mural will temporarily grace a 45-foot long construction fence at the Sawdust Festival and is a gift of the artist, valued at $100,000, says a Sawdust statement.
“We believe that cultural exchange is beneficial in this day and age, and that sharing these symbols can lead to interesting conversations and mutual understanding,” says a statement from Berry, a part-time resident, who specializes in multimedia pop art and graffiti installations.
Berry’s medium is spray paint, which was described as compliant with environmental
standards in a permit application approved by the Arts Commission May 28.
It is one of several new works of art in diverse media that will embellish the facade of the Sawdust Festival, which featured temporarily installed art works until 1982 and is now reviving that tradition for its 50th anniversary. Visitors should expect to see other new works on the grounds: Liz Avalon’s floral-themed bike rack, Larry Gill and Gavin Heath’s metal and glass gates, a “Cranes” water sculpture by Shamus Koch and 14 glass sculpture lights by Bruce Freund.
This is absolutely beautiful and is representative of a Native American woman.