Lars Howlett creates two temporary, site-specific walk-in labyrinths from November 13th to 14th
By Sam Catanzaro
The Annenberg Community Beach House commissioned the artist Lars Howlett to create two temporary, site-specific walk-in labyrinths in the sand this weekend.
The event, part of Out-of-the-Blue, a Santa Monica Cultural Affairs program, will take place on November 13-14 and is designed to promote “Stress Relief, Healing, Reflection, and Community Building through Art.”
“I’m excited to offer three new, unique designs that are different from anything I’ve ever tried! The sand area near the Annenberg Community Beach House is so extensive that I decided to create a monumental maze of 120 ‘x 170’ in the shape of a double spiral to reflect the shape of a wave. Planned in the pandemic, I thought that 8 ‘wide walkways might allow people to socially distance themselves while circling a design that would give the viewer a 360 degree view of the coastline. The double spiral creates a meander. Although it’s a contemporary maze, walking is an archetypal experience, similar to the Nazca Lines in Peru, ”Howlett said in an interview with the City of Santa Monica.
“A sun labyrinth rises out of the double spiral wave that first caught my eye as part of an art installation by Mark Wallinger on the London Underground. I’m creating a variation of Maze # 230 at Covent Garden Station that was installed to be followed with a finger. I’ve seen similar meander patterns in Native American basketry – the man in the Tohono O’odham maze is the best-known classic variant. The sun maze will be more traditional in size and scope, but I only created it once this spring during our trial run in front of the Annenberg Community Beach House. The mazes are dragged into the sand after it has been groomed and smoothed overnight by the sweepers. They are designed to reflect the rhythm and energy of the sun and sea and create a common space where people can safely travel together as we overcome the pandemic and develop new intentions, identities and ideas for our common future, ”added the artist.
No reservation is required to walk through the three mazes. However, moderators will be available to answer questions about mazes, walking meditation, and mindfulness:
- Saturday, November 13th: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday, November 14th: 7.30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Two manual beach wheelchairs are available for the sand mazes.
Registration is required for the personal artist talk, the sunset walk and the reception on Saturday, November 13th, 2021. Places are limited.
- 3 p.m. – 3 p.m. Artist talk, Sacred Space / Sacred Time
- 4-5 p.m. Group labyrinth walk
- 5-6 p.m. Reception and refreshment
Find out more about the mazes HERE.
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