Spreading Their Wings

International public art exhibit ‘Wings of the City’ lands at Fresno State

By Benjamin Kirk (’22)

Bronze, mythical creatures have taken perch on Fresno State’s campus, silently watching the bustle of campus life. With wings unfurled or caught in mid-motion, the beings invoke curiosity, potential and empathy while inviting individual interpretation and meaning in their existence.

The five bronze sculptures are centrally showcased along the Maple Mall and will remain for the enjoyment and enrichment of students and community through August 2025.

“The fact that California State University, Fresno, is exhibiting, for the first time, an exhibition by a Mexican sculptor and that, in addition, it chooses to place the pieces in an iconic place on campus, shows that the university understands and recognizes that the Mexican and Latino community constitute a significant part of the region’s culture,” artist Jorge Marín says. “It is my hope that students of all disciplines find in my work an open window towards self-knowledge and universal artistic culture, generating knowledge and ways to promote diversity.”

“Wings of the City” was officially introduced to the community on Sept. 16. In 2010, “Wings of the City” was originally exhibited in Marín’s home country of Mexico and since then, has traveled around the world through cities in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and, now, Fresno.

“We are elated to host the year-long exhibition ‘Wings of the City’ along our Maple Mall, showcasing five stunning bronze sculptures by renowned Mexican artist Jorge Marín. The exhibition provides us with an educational and cultural opportunity to further understand modern Mexico,” says Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “This is a tremendous honor, and I am thankful to the Consul Nuria P. Zuñiga Alaniz and the Center for Creativity and the Arts for bringing this unique experience to the Central Valley.”

Hosted by the Center for Creativity and the Arts at Fresno State, “Wings of the City” expands beyond the walls of museums and galleries and becomes embedded into the community.

“The wonderful ‘Wings of the City’ installation along the Maple Mall reminds me of what many Greek and Roman cities must have looked like in their heyday, with great public sculptural programs to inspire the people with the myths and legends of their gods and heroes,” says Dr. Honora Chapman, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State. “I find our students’ hope, inspiration, freedom and dreams about to take flight in these gorgeous bronze sculptures.”

Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval was joined by Nuria P. Zuñiga Alaniz, head consul at Consulate of Mexico in Fresno, and Dr. Honora Chapman, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at a press conference introducing the public to the art exhibition.

The exhibition enables a vital link between student artists and community members, facilitating an environment in which visitors can unexpectedly engage with art and reflect on its significance. Through exposure to art and culture on campus, students and the greater community can explore new avenues of creativity that can shape their professional trajectories.

“The symbolism of wings has a strong association with mythology and spirituality that transcends cultural and religious boundaries,” says Chris Lopez, director of the Center for Creativity and the Arts at Fresno State. “I am looking forward to inviting K-12 groups and other local art organizations to see this exhibit on campus.”

The exhibit is sponsored by México Consulado en Fresno, Diplomacia Cultural de México and the Instructionally Related Activities program at Fresno State.

– Benjamin Kirk is a communications specialist in the College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State.