Famous Filipino-American artist Marconi Calindas was commissioned to paint the "A Flight To History," a 60x30 ft. vinyl mural that was recently unveiled at the Long Beach Airport in California to commemorate the 100th year of its groundbreaking.
(Photo by Jair Jimenez)
The mural is placed at the west side of Parking Structure A showcasing different landmarks of both the airport and the city of Long Beach which include the terminal building, Aquarium of the Pacific, Lions Lighthouse, and the Queen Mary, among others.
"We’ve got a great history in aviation — from manufacturing to innovation. Here at the Long Beach Airport, we recognize that history … but also we recognize the future. Art is really the vehicle to tell that story — from the past into the future," Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said during the unveiling ceremony as he highlighted the city's rich aviation legacy as well as its promising future in aviation.
According to Airport Director Cynthia Guidry, the airport collaborated with the Arts Council for Long Beach on a nationwide call for artists for the project and received an overwhelming response of 92 submissions. Calindas emerged as the winning artist.
"Being selected to create 'A Flight to History' for Long Beach Airport has been an incredible privilege. It's more than just a mural; it's a visual narrative that embraces the spirit of this airport's journey. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to contribute to such a significant milestone," Calindas said as he added that the Long Beach Airport mural stands as a beacon, inviting travelers to engage with the city's rich history and its vision for the future of aviation.
Calindas is well known in the arts scene for his trademark black lines and pure hues, with his subject matter varying from pop icons to triumphs of the human spirit.
His pieces have been displayed in public art projects ranging from San Francisco City Hall, Children's Creative Museum, SoMARTS Gallery SF, Hotel Triton Mezzanine Gallery, Magnet SF and Menlo College to exhibits at A-Forest Gallery NYC, Intermedia Arts Gallery Minneapolis, Artists Alley SF, Bayfair Mall (San Leandro, CA), Newpark Mall (Newark, CA) and Aspect Gallery in San Francisco among many others.
Calindas was also recognized for his unique art direction, evidenced by his direction of the short film "Prinsesa (2014)" where he won Outstanding Art Direction for his creation for the film during the Scary Cow Short Film Festival held in San Francisco, California.