First, there was the launch of an eight-foot steel sculpture in the “V-sign” hand gesture by California-based artist Nathan Mabry. Several months ago, the vibrant art program continued in Dallas’ Victory Park with the launch of five new geometric murals by local artist Lesli Marshall inside the parking garage on Victory Park Lane.
Last month another artist was tapped to bring his ideas to the area, too.
This time, it was English-born, Las Vegas-based Tim Bavington who unveiled his musically-inspired sculpture near the W Dallas – Victory Hotel.
The idea behind all the added color in the area; to bring a renewed sense of energy and individuality to Victory Park through ongoing public art installations.
“Victory Park is going through an amazing transformation, and the color and life in these murals reflect the new vibe of the area,” said Marshall. “It’s always exciting to stumble upon art in unexpected areas. In a parking garage, which is usually boring and industrial, people will discover these giant murals and interact with them.”
Marshall’s five pieces range from goldfish swimming amongst diamonds to a mythical phoenix bird soaring over mountains. Each mural is intended to bring personality and a sense of discovery to an unexpected place. For inspiration, Marshall and her team members, Sarah Reyes and Daniel Driensky, looked to five adjectives – radiant, victorious, fierce, strong, and brave – and conceptualized five corresponding murals, each with its own animal and color scheme, painted in bold, bright strokes. Joining the “radiant” goldfish and “brave” Phoenix are “victorious” lions, a “fierce” steer, and “strong” elephants.
Splashed throughout the garage, with one on each level, the intention of the murals is twofold: to bring art into the district and to serve as a creative wayfinding mechanism.
As for Bavington’s art message, created with the use of steel pipe and automotive paint, he said it is a one-of-a-kind visual translation.
Titled “Matchbox,” the installation stands 15-feet-high by 34-feet- wide and uses the same title as the song recorded by The Beatles in 1964. It was chosen for both its connection to the artist’s British roots and the song’s Texan roots, as it was performed by blues singer Blind Lemon Jefferson in 1927, whose career began with playing Dallas street corners just a few miles from Victory Park.
“Bavington’s [piece] has such a unique inspiration behind it that ties together his background and bits of Dallas history,” said Terry Montesi, CEO, Trademark Property Co. “We want to give people unique, memorable experiences when they come to Victory Park, and Tim’s work, along with the other public art spread throughout the district, is sure to be a highlight.”
Each of the artists was chosen by Trademark Property Co., who has an in-house Director of Design and Innovation on staff responsible for curating public art at all 16 of Trademark's properties across the U.S.
Montesi’s belief is that art is a powerful medium that can transform a space visually and impact how people experience a space emotionally.
“It’s one of the most important ways that we are adding texture, character, and soul to the district and fostering a vibe that is completely unique to Victory,” he concluded.
In addition to the new public art, Victory Park transformation efforts include a full remerchandising, 85,000-square-feet of new retail space, and key district enhancements to streets, sidewalks, storefronts, parking, technology and public spaces to promote a more vibrant, user-friendly experience.