The Event Debuted 3 Art Installations and Sculpture by Ruben Rojas
Los Angeles artist Ruben Rojas, best known for his “love” artwork which spreads his message of “Live Through Love” across the city, partnered with Westfield Topanga Mall on a “Summer of Love” series of art installations.
Attendees were able to take a self-guided tour of the installations, featuring plenty of Instagrammable moments, and attend the official unveiling of Rojas’ sculpture “The Heart of the Valley.”
“This installation is vital; we have just started to come out of a global pandemic,” Rojas noted. “Art is a beautiful way to engage people, uplift their spirits, and support them in feeling safe. We talk in clichés about the last year and a half, but they’re all true. Our world changed so quickly and our priorities shifted. When our health, safety, and security were in question, we quickly realized what mattered most: the people we love. As we re-enter the world and get back to our old ways, I want people to remember that love that got them through.
The art event included a meet & greet, refreshments from Coffee Cube (a Westfield retailer and minority owned, Valley based start-up which offered three types of coffee/tea drinks and pastries) and VIP gift bags including items from Ruben’s fashion line.
“I grew up in the Valley,” added Rojas. “I have a lot of love for my home. It doesn’t get the love it deserves like the rest of LA and it doesn’t get the street art we see all over Melrose, Venice, and Santa Monica. I wanted to bring art to the Valley in a big way. I know how willing folks are to commute to find and experience art, and this is my way of bringing it home to the Valley. Westfield has been a phenomenal partner in this, and I’m grateful for their partnership in bringing this installation to life.”
Each installation has a Rojas message:
Wall installation 1: ‘Unity’ – “Harmony. Balance. Solidarity. There’s strength in numbers. Together, we can create change and bring more love into the world.”
Wall installation 2: “‘Equality’ – we’re all human, we’re all love!”
Wall Installation at the Village: ‘You Belong Here’ – one of my favorite sayings, it’s simple and powerful, it’s truth. It’s easy to question our belonging, worth & life. The truth is that each one of you belongs here and brings so much value to those around you. Never doubt your existence!”
Sculpture “The Heart of the Valley” “Love has many faces: friendly, familial, romantic, self, unconditional. There’s room for all of them in your heart if you’re willing to make the space. The heart is the most loving, life-giving symbol of all. It’s crucial to your survival, both physically and emotionally. Every heart is layered in love, overflowing with care and compassion. But we have to be willing to let the love in. This piece is a true embodiment of living through love. When we acknowledge love in its many forms, it grows exponentially. There is no limit to the amount of love your heart can hold. The heart is the most loving symbol of all, and I wanted to fill it with the most important thing: love.”