Grand Park’s Winter Glow in Los Angeles is back for a free month-long event, featuring an immersive experience by multimedia artists representing the city’s diverse population. With LA’s sizable Filipino American community, the celebration wouldn’t be complete without parols, a symbol of Christmas in the Philippines.
Until December 25, the free exhibit at the downtown LA park begins from sunset to 10 p.m., inviting guests to revel in the illuminated art installations.
“Grand Park embraces the purpose of being a park for everyone where all residents and visitors can connect culturally and celebrate the many faces and cultures of the county. We highlight that diversity by showcasing the work of local artists and by working with our community partners to create experiences people of all ages could enjoy,” said Julia Diamond, interim director of Grand Park.
On Saturday, December 7, a two-hour parol art-making workshop was held at Grand Park, which drew more than 100 attendees and allowed them to create and take home their own parol. The workshop was done in partnership with community group Kayamanan Ng Lahi.
“Light is a main constant celebrated among the various holidays this month and is a focal point of the parol. It was a natural fit to highlight this Filipino tradition as part of our Winter Glow festival with a beautiful art display created by Alfie Ebojo aka alfienumeric and Lakandiwa de Leon of Kidlat Woodworks,” said Diamond.
In partnership with Kayamanan Ng Lahi, Los Angeles artist Alfie Ebojo aka alfienumeric and designer Lakandiwa de Leon have combined forces to present, “Kadkadduwa: When Spirit and Body Meet,” a collaborative piece dedicated to the city they love with the unique language of merging two worlds: their ancestral home of the Philippines and their current residence in Los Angeles.
This piece is their interpretation of the Christmas parol, a lantern made out of paper and bamboo which is traditionally hung during the holiday season in the Philippines. The parol is widely popular and loved in the islands. This artist duo derives their inspiration from the traditional and connects it to their hopes to invoke unity, goodwill and love in this diverse city.
“Beyond being a beautiful piece of art, Kadkadduwa not only represents the importance of the Filipino community in Los Angeles, but is a representation of light over darkness – a wonderful reminder of hope and goodwill this holiday season,” Diamond added.
Additionally, exhibits during Winter Glow include the LA County Holiday Tree at The Music Center Plaza, Grand Park Tree by the fountain and Menorahs to honor the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Grand Park’s Winter Glow is free and open to the public until Dec. 25.
Visit https://grandparkla.org/event/grand-parks-winter-glow-2019/ for more information.
