Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues of Ball-Nogues Studio were selected to create an artwork for the Maintenance of Way Building (MOW) and Jacob Hashimoto was selected to develop an artwork for the future Emergency Security Operations Center (ESOC). Both buildings are in the DTLA Arts District.

Ball-Nogues’ site-specific work is rooted in experimentation with perception, form and fabrication.  Jacob Hashimoto creates visual environments weaving a multitude of symbols and objects that take a macro perspective on the urban fabric. The two distinct artworks will be integrated into the buildings’ facades, contributing to the character, identity and artistic vibrancy of downtown and surrounding areas.

A panel of nationally recognized community-based arts professionals from the MOW and ESOC project area has selected the two artists. Panelists included Kim Abeles, artist; Glenn Akira Kaino, artist; Cesar Garcia, founding director and chief curator of the Mistake Room; Alvin Huang, artist and architect, and; Joey Shimoda, artist and architect.

“I’m pleased with the outcome,” reflected Kim Abeles, Arts District-based artist. “Both artists and proposals offer interesting conceptual solutions that respond to the building functions and community in an authentic and dynamic way.”

“The projects’ surrounding neighborhoods are incredibly textured and the functions of these buildings are very important,” said Maya Emsden, Deputy Executive Officer, Creative Services. “I am eager to watch these artworks unfold as agents of memory, community cohesion and creative placemaking for Metro and the project area.”

The new MOW building will increase maintenance capacity serving the Metro Red and the expanding Purple Line. The new ESOC facility will serve as the Emergency Operations Center and central location for Metro security operations, radio dispatch, and emergency coordination. Rail and Bus Operations Centers will also be integrated within the facility. While both buildings will house authorized personnel only, the artworks will be highly visible to the public on the building facades.

Click here for more information about Metro’s art program, including our popular docent-led art tours. Follow Metro Art on Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram.

Featured image:  Example of past work by ESOC selected artist Jacob Hashimoto, On the Edge of Forever, 2015 (detail)