Temporary art piece tells story of ‘hope, strength’ during COVID-19 pandemic

Kirkland, once the epicenter of the virus, is now telling the story of the pandemic through four art pieces on Park Lane.

August 13, 2020 1:30 am
City of Kirkland/Courtesy photo
City of Kirkland/Courtesy photo

Park Lane will be home to a new art piece for the next two months.

The temporary four-piece series tells the story of “hope, strength and resilience in the face of COVID-19,” according to the city of Kirkland. The art is positioned near Starbucks, Cactus Restaurant, Zeeks Pizza and Beijing O’Chef.

Each piece, crafted by artists Angie Hinojos Yusuf and Carlos Jimenez, has a different message and wears face coverings. They are titled “Life/La Vida,” “Care/Cuidate,” “Wisdom/Sabiduria” and “Hope/El Futuro.” “Life” is a woman, “Care” a farmworker, “Wisdom” a senior resident and “Hope” portrays a new generation. Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission found it would be a fitting piece for Park Lane, and the Kirkland City Council went on to pass the plan for the artwork unanimously.

“The images beautifully illustrate the value of caring for one another and one’s community,” Tere Alonso Thompson, Cultural Arts Commissioner and Chair of the Park Lane Sculpture Committee, stated in a press release. “It has been a pleasure working with Angie Hinojos Yusuf and Carlos Jimenez to arrange this outdoor exhibit and we are extremely grateful for their generosity and collaboration. We hope these special pieces will offer everyone inspiration, joy and comfort.”

The piece was funded by King County COVID-19 response funds and two grants from 4Culture. The art tells a story of COVID-19 pandemic with Kirkland as the first domestic epicenter of the virus. The artists also being to the pieces Mexican cultural heritage, symbolism and tradition.

The pieces were a collaboration from the city, the arts commission, Hinojos & Jimenez Art and Centro Cultural Mexicano of Redmond.

“We are thrilled with Hinojos Yusuf and Jimenez’ generosity and appreciate their willingness to share their art with our community,” Councilmember Kelli Curtis stated in the release. “This series tells our story beautifully, through vivid colors and inspiring symbolism, while embracing diversity and inclusivity. We invite you to explore this dynamic exhibit and hope that you love it as much as we do.”