Diversity and Experience Inspire Newest Exhibition at STL

Posted on November 27, 2018 in News

Riverwork Project, a new exhibition at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), is a panoramic textile artwork comprised of separate panels that together form 100 feet of pliable sections of sewn, layered, hand-stenciled and painted cloth. Referencing human and water resources, the Riverwork Project blends geometry, symbols and color to highlight cultural meanings of shared experiences.  

Sun Smith-Foret conceived the idea to reflect the region’s diverse population and individual human experiences with a monumental-scale textile piece that involved more than 100 artists from a variety of ages, race, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. Each artist contributed a small, themed segment which was then integrated into the artwork. Themes from the artists include immigration, cotton production, transportation, music, dreams, film, and memories. Photography, painting, and hand-sewing embellish the surface of the textiles.

Smith-Foret views the Riverwork Project as a catalyst, enabling conversations between communities and engaging artists throughout the region. As each piece is unique, they evoke different emotions from different viewers. “The segments, like currents flowing, carry visual messages and elements of surprise” according to Smith-Foret.

Riverwork Project is now on display through May 12, 2019 in the Lambert Gallery near the C Concourse exit in Terminal 1 and is part of the Lambert Art & Culture Program’s temporary exhibitions program. The program is supported by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis.

Sun Smith-Foret was chosen to exhibit in the Lambert Art & Culture Program through the Airport’s seven-member Airport Art Advisory Committee. Current members are Lisa Cakmak, Associate Curator of Ancient Art at Saint Louis Art Museum; Ellen Gale, Executive Director Clayton Chamber of Commerce; Shelley Hagan, Wells Fargo Curator Corporate Art; Leslie Markle, Curator of Public Art, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum; Kiku Obata, Founding Principal of Kiku Obata & Co.; Roseann Weiss, consultant with ART+; and design artist and illustrator Carlos Zamora. 

The mission of the Lambert Art and Culture Program is to create a visually outstanding impression of St. Louis Lambert International Airport, generate community pride, and ensure that art at the airport continues to complement and build upon the airport’s rich visual legacy. The program aims to highlight the St. Louis region’s unique art and culture, while also showcasing national and international works, focusing on both visual and performing arts. Currently, there are 29 works of art (temporary, permanent or on-loan) on exhibit at the Airport. For more information, visit www.artoftravelstl.com.