As we collectively grapple with our multiple crises, artist de la Garza took this time to reconsideration of her installation. This allowed her to think more deeply about racial & environmental justice with hopes of creating a community dialogue through her artwork at the Art Kiosk. We will be announcing a virtual speaking event that aims to bring together artists and advocates for social justice.
Between social justice and social distancing, Public Art can be an important forum at this unique time in history. We feel blessed to have the Art Kiosk in Redwood City’s Courthouse Square and understand our responsibility. As quarantines are loosened, the Art Kiosk offers art installations for contemplation and connectivity in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Environmental justice and stewardship of the planet are central to de la Garza’s art practice. She reveals the stories embedded in our collective consumption, specifically of single use plastic. She delves into the archaeology of contemporary waste materials. The artist states, “The work becomes time capsules, little stories of our consumption” while she hopes to elevate consumer plastic waste as an art medium.

Her minimalist forms contain a maximalist aesthetic of excess. Textures fashioned from the detritus of our community and molding into concrete cylinders and lights. Influenced by minimalist and constructivist artists such as Dan Flavin, Eva Hesse, Vladmir Tatlin, and contemporary artists Rachel Whiteread and Eva Rothschild, de la Garza’s ‘Monumental’ projects continue a practice of reusing materials and referencing modernist forms.

At this fraught time, the artist asks, “How does one exist in this once in a lifetime pandemic, let alone try and connect and tell stories with a community?” We are thrilled to reopen the Art Kiosk with such a visionary and timely artist. Inspired with our goal of keeping our viewers safe, Tara will create a virtual discussion and closing via zoom on Saturday June 27th at 6 PM.