In anticipation of the K Line opening on Friday, October 7, Metro Art is excited to reveal 14 integrated artworks at K Line stations.

Customers will experience artworks that showcase the cultural richness of the many communities along the K Line — see the map below.

Metro Art commissioned the K Line artists through an open, competitive selection process following the recommendation of a panel of community-based arts professionals. Station artists also engaged in a range of community activities with residents and organizations served by the K Line in conjunction with each artwork. 

Scroll to learn more about the artworks at each station and click on each image to read more on the Metro Art K Line artist pages:

Expo / Crenshaw Station

Inside Out – Outside In – Inside Out by Erwin Redl (Plaza, Glass)

Taking advantage of the changing position of the sun to reflect an array of colors onto surrounding surfaces by day, the artwork on the glass pavilion transforms it into an illuminated jewel box by night. The radiating, colored patterns enhancing the pavilion glass are inspired, in part, by the vibrant colors and forms of West Angeles Cathedral that is adjacent to the K Line’s Expo/Crenshaw Station.

At the Same Time by Rebeca Méndez (Concourse, Glass Mosaic)

Two mosaic murals transform the concourse wall into a sublime panorama of the sky as seen from Los Angeles. Articulating the progression of time over 24 hours, the atmospheric slices were transcribed from photographs taken at 15-minute intervals over a number of days and nights. A second mosaic of a lofted bird wing references the migrations of the Arctic tern, while also evoking the angels called upon during West Angeles Cathedral’s sermons.

Layered Histories by Jamie Scholnick (Platform, Porcelain Enamel Steel)

The frieze-like collages on the porcelain enamel steel panels show the local neighborhood during the progression from dawn to night. The artist spent many hours documenting the area around the station and talking to local residents about their visions for the artwork. She also collaborated with youth through the Leimert Park–based RightWay Foundation, who contributed their photographic perspectives to the project.

Martin Luther King Jr. Station

Leimert Park Landscape by Mara Lonner (Plaza, Glass)

Images of Japanese-influenced landscaping, architectural embellishments such as weathervanes and stained-glass windows, and distinguishing signage allude to the businesses, institutions and cultural landmarks, both past and present, that are unique to the community of Leimert Park.

Only Light, Only Love by Shinique Smith (Concourse, Glass Mosaic)

This mosaic mural is a playful collage with elements pulled from fashion, pop culture and calligraphy. Honoring the station’s namesake, the artwork also includes a selection of empowering words inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches and autobiography.

You are heading in the right direction by Eileen Cowin (Platform, Porcelain Enamel Steel)

The 14 filmstrip-like art panels invite viewers to create narratives from a collection of nonlinear scenes that feature local community members at businesses and locations surrounding the station. The multilayered imagery allows riders to imagine different stories about the people and places in the artworks.

Leimert Park Station

Talking Drums by Ingrid Calame (Plaza, Glass)

The artist collaborated with local youth to make large-scale rubbings of culturally and architecturally significant features in the neighborhood including drums, handmade tile and doorways. The resulting rubbings create a pattern of abstract textures on a multi-color glass gradient to form a library of community signs.

Untitled by Mickalene Thomas (Concourse, Glass Mosaic)

This mosaic was inspired by the area’s quality of light and the natural and architectural hallmarks of Leimert Park Village. The artist used photo collage techniques to create a layered composition, which integrates many recognizable landmarks including the Leimert Park fountain, the Vision Theatre, Japanese-influenced home garden designs and a silhouette of the iconic Theme Building at LAX.

Untitled by Dean Erdmann (Platform, Porcelain Enamel Steel)

The porcelain enamel art panels depict double-exposed photographs of natural elements in Leimert Park interspersed with images of the transit environment. The vivid, poetic dreamscapes are inspired by the act of viewing the passing landscape as it reflects through the glass of a train or bus window.

Hyde Park Station

Hyde Park Oasis by Carlson Hatton (Platform, Porcelain Enamel Steel)

Densely layered, rhythmic murals are a tribute to the soundtrack of Hyde Park and its surrounding areas. The porcelain enamel steel art panels are infused with intricate patterns, vibrant color and cultural figures that pay tribute to the area’s rich musical legacy. A nod to low-rider car culture is found among the wide skylines  — populated with majestic palm trees, plantings from neighborhood gardens and notable buildings — which mirror the South Los Angeles horizon.

Fairview Heights Station

Inglewood CA Series: Metro collection 1–10 by Kim Schoenstadt (Platform, Porcelain Enamel Steel)

Hybrid architectural structures based on existing and historical buildings from the surrounding Inglewood neighborhood are mashed up with solid shapes in hues of gray, gold, turquoise and orange. Included are the Broadway Federal Bank, Centinela Adobe, Crozier Middle School, Jet Car Wash, Los Angeles International Airport Theme Building and Randy’s Donuts, to name a few.

Downtown Inglewood Station

Sonder by Kenturah Davis (Platform, Porcelain Enamel Steel)

The artwork Sonder encourages connections between strangers while riding transit. The porcelain enamel steel art panels portray various figures against a backdrop of letters that form words defining “sonder,” a newly coined term alluding to the realization that every person has a unique and significant story. Based on photographs taken during gatherings hosted by the artist, the portraits feature individuals with ties to the Inglewood community.

Westchester/Veterans Station

Us as a Measure of Openness by Geoff McFetridge (Platform, Porcelain Enamel Steel)

Rendered with bold, flat colors on a stark backdrop, these striking artworks depict communities of people interacting with large abstract shapes. From mothers and children to gardeners and lawyers, the figures are unique and expressive. The geometric forms allude to architecture and city infrastructure, which both support and are supported by the people.

Aviation/Century Station (station opening date to be announced)

Rise by Sherin Guirguis (Platform and Fence, Porcelain Enamel Steel)

The richly colored artworks reflect the countless individuals who have migrated to the area, many of whom have risen above tremendous obstacles. Combining visual references from the station site, the artist alludes to her own history and journey to Los Angeles. Considering the cultural, social and spatial histories shared by transit users, the artwork reflects the diversity of the surrounding neighborhood and LA County.

For more on Metro Art’s K Line Art Program and its artists, artworks and stations, and to download the K Line Metro Art Guide, visit metro.net/klineart.

About Metro Art

Metro Art enhances the customer experience with innovative, award-winning visual and performing arts programming that encourages ridership and connects people, sites and neighborhoods throughout LA County. A diverse range of site-specific artworks are integrated into the growing Metro system, improving the quality of transit environments and creating a sense of place.

Click here for more information about the Metro Art program. Follow Metro Art on  Facebook  and Instagram, and subscribe for email updates.