New Sculpture by Local Artist
The Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition, presented by The Helis Foundation, is thrilled to announce the addition of the sculpture "ViVa (& the whole garden will bow)." Located on the 1200 block of Poydras Street at Loyola Avenue, this stunning sculpture is just one of the many captivating pieces in the outdoor, public exhibit funded by The Helis Foundation.
With sculptures accessible to all, the walkway in the bustling Central Business District is the perfect spot for a nighttime stroll or a relaxing outdoor activity before a lunch reservation. The exhibition features a diverse range of displays, from the modern "untitled" sculpture by James Surls to the thought-provoking "Love is like the sea..." by Allison Janae Hamilton.
Renowned New Orleans artist Anastasia Pelias created the sculpture "ViVa" using polyurea, steel, polystyrene, and aluminum. This piece is a celebration of femininity, capturing themes of love, life, and the female experience while drawing inspiration from her Greek ancestry. Pelias weaves her deep Greek cultural heritage into her work, with her mother being a Greek immigrant and her father a first-generation Greek American.
Describing the inspiration behind her work, Pelias shared in a press release, "I have a book
of poetry by E.E. Cummings titled ViVa, which my father gave me for my 15th
birthday." The parenthetical addition to the title comes from the last line of
her favorite poem in this sentimental collection.
Pelias is a well-renowned artist, with her work showcased in prestigious institutions such as the New Orleans Museum of Art, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Mobile Museum of Art, and Newcomb Art Museum. The addition of her sculpture "ViVa" to the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition further enhances her impressive portfolio.
Since its founding in 2013, the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition
has featured over 40 sculptures on Poydras Street, currently showcasing 15
sculptures along the corridor. As the South's leading outdoor rotating public
sculpture exhibit, this exhibition is made possible through the partnership
between The Helis Foundation and the community. The Helis Foundation provides
support to various local nonprofit organizations and offers grants to sustain
progressive operations, including free admission and aiding in the acquisition
of significant artworks.
Whether you are an art lover looking for another art exhibit to enjoy or looking for a beautiful stroll in the city center, walk over to The Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition and be one of the first to enjoy Anastasia Pelias' newest sculpture.
