July 3, 2013
Written by  Joe Bates
Airport-World.com

Feast your eyes on the latest artwork at Jacksonville International Airport – Celestial Playground, a mural by New York Artist, Amy Cheng.

The mural, brought to the Florida gateway by Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) and the Jacksonville International Airport Arts Commission, surrounds the courtyard restroom area and water fountain stations.

It is the fourteenth addition to JAA's permanent art collection at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).

Cheng designed Celestial Playground to visually reference the sky, the heavens and the cosmos.

According to the artist, its design flows from one frame to the next, and from a distance, creates an illusion of deep space. It is made from glass, ceramic and stone mosaic.

"Celestial Playground is designed to impart to the viewer a sense of lightness, a feeling of joy," said Cheng.

"I like to think that my work provides the facility users with something visually lovely and cheerful, something that may stop them in their tracks for a second in surprise or delight."

Because of its impressive and award-winning public art programme, JAX has been recognised by the UK's Observer newspaper as one of the best airports in the world to be stranded at.

Only three other airports were included on the list – London Heathrow, Incheon and Amsterdam Schiphol.

"Jacksonville International Airport was one of the first to institute an arts programme back in the 90s and it continues to be a world-leader in the arts," enthuses JIA Arts Commission Coordinator, Allie Gloe.

"We strive to celebrate culture and perception that brings about calmness, wonder and inspiration, which are all emotions nicely fitting for travellers in an airport."

Artist Amy Cheng was selected by the JAX Arts Commission among 93 responding artists.

Her public art installations have mostly been situated in US airports and subway and elevated train stations.

Source:bit.ly/1cR1qQQ