February 8, 2024
As Black History Month unfolds, the Port of Seattle proudly embraces the occasion by expanding its public art collection. In a momentous stride, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has recently acquired multiple artworks by two esteemed local African American artists, Barbara Earl Thomas and Marita Dingus. The pieces — the first three-dimensional objects created by African American artists in SEA’s collection — are currently on display on the Ticketing Level by Checkpoint 1.
The addition of these artworks is a result of the Port Public Art Program's work to increase opportunities for artists of color, female artists, and the LGBTQ+ community through open calls for art and the acquisition of indigenous art. In 2024, the airport's collection has grown to 225 pieces — 56 of those pieces created by artists of color and 81 created by female artists.
Barbara Earl Thomas
Barbara Earl Thomas, an acclaimed Seattle-based visual artist, is known for her intricate paper-cut artworks where she “places silhouetted figures in social and political landscapes.” In her artist statement, Thomas explains, “I pull from mythology and history to create a contemporary visual narrative that challenges the stories we tell as Americans about who we are. I have also been known for my large-scale installations that use light as the animating force and invite my viewers to step inside my world of illuminated scenography.”
With her pieces "Fly Home, Earth Bound "and "Earth Bound in Vines" on display at SEA, Thomas introduces viewers to a new world. Her imagery, adorned on hand-blown glass vessels, is recognizable by the powerful combination of universal narratives and patterned decorations, including blossoming flowers and twining vines. To bring her work to life, the artist describes that she “masks surfaces with a ‘resist’ and cuts into the material to reveal her images by sandblasting though opaque black surfaces and exposing the transparent color beneath that allows the light to animate the vessel.” Within these glass works, Thomas initiates a captivating dialogue between light and shadow, exploring what is seen and unseen.
Marita Dingus
Marita Dingus, a renowned local artist, offers a unique perspective, utilizing discarded materials to tell stories of repurposing and resilience. The Port of Seattle’s Public Art program is thrilled to announce the recent acquisition of three of her sculptures: “A Leg Up,” “Buoy Boy,” and “Where the Castoffs Grow (B).”
“My art draws upon relics from the African Diaspora. The discarded materials represent how people of African descent were used during the institution of slavery and colonialism then discarded, but who found ways to repurpose themselves and thrive in a hostile world. I seek to use recovered materials, reconfiguring and incorporating them into pieces of art where possible and appropriate, and to mitigate waste and pollution in all my work. This is a creative challenge, but a commitment I incorporate into my professional and personal activities.” (Artist’s statement)
Every object has a story and by reclaiming them in her creations, Dingus gives them new meaning, elevating each object to art.
Celebrating diversity
These recent acquisitions of artworks by Barbara Earl Thomas and Marita Dingus highlight the Port of Seattle's dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within its Public Art collection. As we celebrate Black History Month, these additions stand as a tribute to the impactful contributions of African American artists, bringing their unique narratives to the forefront and enriching our understanding of shared history and diverse perspectives. Looking ahead, the Port is not only enthusiastic about these recent additions but is also unwavering in its commitment to sustaining this momentum. With a vision for the future, the Port of Seattle is eager to expand and diversify its art collection, ensuring an ongoing celebration of diverse voices and artistic expressions.
Passengers and employees are invited to view these remarkable artworks on the Ticketing level, next to Checkpoint 1 for a limited time, before they find their permanent home on the new Checkpoint 1 (Baggage Claim level) by Fall 2024. Keep an eye on our website for updates on upcoming RFQs, as the Port remains dedicated to shaping a more inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape.
