Travel through Silicon Valley’s airport and discover public artworks that reflect the spirit of this region’s role as a global center of technology and innovation. These installations were conceived as part of a unified program of Art+Technology that showcases the diversity, creativity and energy that define San José and Silicon Valley.
Art+Technology is broadly defined as:
- Art that uses technology
- Art that is inspired by technology
- Art that is developed with technology
- Art that comments on technology
Some of the artworks at the Airport will be permanently on display. Others will be shown for several years then replaced with new works that respond to the theme of Art+Technology.
- Hands by Christian Moeller
Approaching the airport from the east, the hands of 53 Silicon Valley residents greet the world from a mural created with plastic pixels affixed to architectural metal mesh, spanning 1,200 feet and standing seven stories high. (Permanently located on the East Facade of the Rental Car Facility.) - XO: A Public Art Installation by Laura Kimpton and Jeff Schomberg
The love letters, a 12-foot-tall aluminum installation, perforated with bird cutouts, stand as a contemporary expression representing a “hug” and a “kiss;” a lighthearted way of sharing affection, fun, and friendship. The birds, a key aspect of artists’ work, are visual symbols for flight and safe air travel. At night, the sculpture is illuminated internally with changing colors, drawing travelers' attention and offering the opportunity for an iconic photo to mark the start or end of their journey in San José. (Permanently located curbside at Terminal B.) - Threshold by Philip Beesley Studio & Living Architectural Systems Group Threshold is a sculpture in two parts respectively titled Nest and Shower that explore the formation of crystalline worlds. Within the intricate floating hollow forms of Nest, a spiraling pool of clouds contains jewel-like spherical forms. Shower contains bursting rays surrounded by a spiral pool of clouds. The rippling surface of a primordial ocean lies beneath both of these worlds. The combined worlds within Threshold offer a dream-like vision evoking our collective origins. (Permanently located in Terminal B - Arrivals Hall.)
- A million Times San José by Humans Since 1982
Composed of 160 clock faces with white hands set against a black stone-like surface, the piece combines software, hardware, sensors, and contemporary aesthetics. By programing the clock hands to spin individually, but in formation, the artwork reports time accurately while also playfully representing the concept of time passing. (Permanently located in Terminal B - Arrivals Hall.) - The Wall of Recognition by Carlos Perez
This illustrated wall installation recognizes three prime-movers behind San José’s airport: Ernie Renzel, James Nissen, and Norman Y. Minteta. - Space Observer by Bjorn Schulke
Reminiscent of a space craft, this glossy white 26' tall sculpture standing on eight-foot tripod legs, explores the interactivity between humans and modem technology. Engage with this elaborate, yet delicate object and it will quietly rotate with the help of two propeller-tipped arms, using its kinetic cameras to reveal live images. (Permanently located in Terminal B - Mezzanine.) - eCloud by Nik Hafermaas, Dan Goods and Aaron Koblin
In this dynamic artwork, thousands of switchable glass squares suspended from the ceiling continuously change from opaque to transparent with the transmission of real-time weather data. Explore current weather conditions around the world on the artwork's dynamic display. (Permanently located in Terminal B Concourse.) - Wave Matter by Gregory Kucera
Pixelated panels located in the concourse columns are composed of thousands of holes, interpreting various waves - ripples in a pond, electromagnetic, radio, sound, radar, and gravitational. (Temporarily located in Terminal B South Concourse.) - Frequent Flyers by Roan Victor
Frequent Flyers is a four-panel series inspired by the wildlife in Roan Victor’s San José garden. Bees, birds and butterflies drawn to its native plants reflect the movement of travelers passing through the city — for work, education or leisure — or those who come to stay. Through this connection, the artwork highlights the bond between humans and nature, reminding us that we are part of our environment, not separate from it. (Permanently located in Terminal B - Mezzanine Art Window, near the TSA queue) - Flightpath by Jai Tanju
Airplanes pass over downtown San José every seven minutes, from early morning until nearly midnight — a constant presence woven into the city’s rhythm. Having lived downtown for 30 years, artist Jai Tanju is deeply familiar with these sights and sounds. Flightpath captures the simple joy of watching planes overhead, much like a child gazing at the sky in quiet anticipation. Through photography, Tanju adds to the ever-evolving portrait of San José, reflecting the daily observations of those who call it home. (Permanently located in Terminal B - Mezzanine Art Window, near the TSA queue)
Please note: Artworks located in the Terminal B Concourse are behind the TSA security checkpoint and are available only to ticketed passengers. Artworks in the pre-security area of Terminal B are available to the general public.
The Airport’s Art+Technology program is the product of a four-year master planning effort involving community members and policy makers to model a public art program that is unique to this region.
The San José Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program (OCA) manages the program in close collaboration with the Airport.
Funding:
The City of San José Public Art Program is funded through an ordinance that allows 1% of municipal capital improvement project budgets to be set aside for public art.
For More Information Please Contact:
Public Art Program (City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs)
200 E. Santa Clara Street, 4th Floor, San José CA, 95113
Phone: 408-793-4344
Fax: 408-971-2597