Inaugurating the Metro Art program in 1991, “Unity,” by renowned Light and Space artist Thomas Eatherton, has been refurbished and the glowing, vibrant and optimistic artwork can now be enjoyed by Metro riders once again.
The artwork was the world’s first light painting in a rail tunnel, inaugurating the Metro Art program, which has become one of the largest, most expansive public art programs in the nation. “Unity” is located 30 feet underground on the tunnel walls between 7th Street/Metro Center Station and Pico Station and can only be experienced by riding the A/E Line.
“Unity” is made up of 82 individual light paintings featuring circular patterns of intense blue and white light—intended by the artist as a symbol of the ever-changing experience of living in Los Angeles.
This important refurbishment included overhauling the existing systems, upgrading to a LED-driven light source and enclosing all artwork components.
As noted in the Los Angeles Times in 1991:
“Passengers pulling into the station at 7th and Flower streets will glide between circular patterns of blue light. Commuters whose heads are buried in their newspapers may only perceive a blue aura, but those who look out the train windows will see a changing parade of concentric circles and points of blue light in circular arrangements.”
About the artist
Thomas Eatherton (b. 1934, d. 2023) was born in Los Angeles, CA and studied at UCLA. He was one of the most accomplished of the California Light and Space Artists and an early innovator in the field of digital art. His work derives from a painting tradition but expanded to include the use of real light and space. “Unity” was his first permanent installation.
“I have worked with these patterns from the beginning. They are very important, basic, strong determinations in my work, but they will be interpreted differently by different people. The work is viewed repeatedly by daily commuters. I want it to be universal, something that can always be new for them,” said Eatherton.
Check out the original 1991 video with artist Thomas Eatherton and Metro Art’s new video featuring the refurbished artwork.
Learn more about the artwork here and plan your art adventure.
About Metro Art
Metro Art enhances the customer experience with innovative, award-winning visual and performing arts that encourages ridership and connects people, neighborhoods and destinations throughout L.A. 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. Follow Metro Art on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. Sign up for the Metro Art newsletter to learn about upcoming art opportunities, events and exhibitions!
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