Artist Suzy Taekyung Kim’s “Canopy of Blooms” will be showcased in the lobby of a new Koreatown building. (photo by Costas Picadas)

Korean American Artist Suzy Taekyung Kim was awarded $165,000 from the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture for a unique public art project that will welcome visitors to a new 21-story building coming to Koreatown.

This new building will serve as headquarters for the Los Angeles County Departments of Mental Health and Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services. The lobby where Kim’s artwork will be showcased will host a peer resource center and walk-in mental health services, utilizing a ground-floor clinic and office space. With access to the Metro Vermont/Wilshire Red Line Station, Los Angeles County residents will be able to access an array of mental health services.

The civic art project, titled “Canopy of Blooms,” uses a base layer of old Korean script which will be sealed and covered by photos and flowers from Koreatown, embracing the fragility and strength of those who will pass through the future lobby.

“This civic art project represents our commitment to supporting Korean American artists, as we work to revitalize the communities that are home to the county facilities and services,” said County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, 2nd District, whose office was actively involved in the selection panel. “This unique work of art will be seen by thousands of local residents as county staff help deliver vital services – from prevention to recovery – and assist clients to take the first steps on a journey toward healing and self-sufficiency.”

“Canopy of Blooms” is a multilayered painting that celebrates hope and healing. Situated in the grand lobby of the Vermont Corridor Building, located at 500 S. Vermont Ave., this 53-by-10-foot artwork is at the entry point of the Department of Mental Health and Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services and warmly welcomes all. The painting reflects the unique identity of Koreatown through the analogy of an infinity loop of blooming motifs native to Los Angeles County. This artwork celebrates multi-generational life stories through the metaphor of natural elements. Throughout the artwork, the cascading waterfall background gradually changes colors mirroring the changing seasons. The imagery starts as a bubbling seed of dreams that become buds of growth, twisting vines, blooming flowers and, finally, fallen petals and foliage. This change is rhythmic with improvisational elements forming an infinity loop, symbolizing the endless cycle of life. Conceived by Kim, the painting highlights life’s journey through the metaphor of nature’s birth, growth and death.