3/24/2023 0 Comments Watts towers![]() ![]() Below are listed some of the publications devoted specifically to Watts. Art lovers-especially if you appreciate the weird side of art history-should particularly take note, as should architects and designers. Photographs of Watts Towers may be found in many books on Los Angeles architecture. It's worth it to see the towers even if you only have a few minutes to spare. What, or who, do you think it’s best for? But Watts Towers are also breathtaking and worth the venture into South Los Angeles. This is easily one of the oddest landmarks in Los Angeles-a tough accomplishment in a city known for wax museums and giant signs. ![]() These ineffable qualities draw a wide variety of visitors, from curiosity seekers to art and architecture lovers, to anyone inspired by Rodia's life's work. The towers have become a symbol of not only Los Angeles, but also immigration and the powerful ability of humankind to create. The Watts Towers Arts Center was founded 60 years ago to inform the community about Rodia’s work and inspire more creativity. Rodia used recycled materials like shells, bottles, and rocks to create the unique piece of art. Simon Rodia single-handedly built the towers from 1921 to 1954. Rodia's name for the sculpture was "Nuestro Pueblo," or "Our Town." The iconic Watts Towers have been standing for 100 years. After buying a small lot in 1917, Rodia set to work on his magnum opus nearly every day for more than 30 years, inspired by the leaning Tower of Pisa. Watts Towers are a massive and whimsical expression of humanity's can-do spirit-the tallest tower stands at 99 feet. They're considered a prime example of "outsider art," and can be visited for free in the Simon Rodia Historic State Park in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Italian immigrant construction worker and artist Sabato "Simon" Rodia built them over a 33-year period, from the 1920s through the 1950s. Somehow both space-age and D.I.Y., the Watts Towers are an awe-inspiring series of 17 interwoven sculptural pillars built from scrap metal and concrete, and decorated with found objects like glass bottles, volcanic rock, and ceramic tiles. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |