The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs launched “Reimagine Public Art: Vol. 2,” a virtual exhibition that highlights how artists respond to and reimagine Los Angeles as the COVID-19 pandemic continues into its second year.

As Angelenos begin to alternate their interactions with each other between virtual and physical public spaces, the exhibition asks: What will be the prime takeaway from the pandemic for communities in relation to public art?

In August 2020, the Department of Cultural Affairs’ Public Art Division and the Los Angeles City Council designated $340,000 in Arts Development Fees to establish a citywide COVID-19 Emergency Response Program to provide emergency economic relief to individual artists who live in Los Angeles.

“Reimagine Public Art: Vol. 1” launched in May 2021 and highlighted the work of artists created throughout the pandemic.

Of the 940 submissions, more than 70 local artists were selected for the second edition to examine what forms of public art can emerge from the new socially-produced space.

The online public art exhibition, including pre-existing and commissioned works, established a representation of the virtual public realm as the city reopened. As a companion, “Vol. 1” will be archived and available for further exploration in association with “Vol. 2.”

“The Department of Cultural Affairs created ‘Reimagine Public Art’ to capture this moment and introduce a compelling lineup of artists working across all mediums to give people a glimpse of what hybrid forms public art might take as the city adjusts and opens,” said Danielle Brazell, general manager of the Department of Culturual Affairs.

“‘Vol. 2’ explores four Los Angeles neighborhoods: central, south, northeast L.A., and the northwest Valley, and how Angelenos have already altered their interactions with each other between virtual and physical public spaces.”

For the second edition, all participating artists will see their work included in the main online gallery space, and some have been selected to take part in two curatorial showcases.

After reviewing the artwork submitted, the Department of Cultural Affairs’ Public Art Division identified two common threads that artists were using to define the dimensions that make up the new public realm.

“Reframe” is a look at how people present themselves and the emotions expressed within the context of a quarantine.

“Restructure” examines how individuals have found themselves navigating the role-reversal of their uncertain and often isoloated life in quarantine versus remembering their once-familiar lifestyle, which has  been sitting just out of reach throughout the pandemic.

Artists in both curatorial showcases were posed a guiding question: What do you look forward to exploring in your neighborhood in terms of public art and/or community as the city reopens? Their answers are highlighted in the artist showcases.

To view “Reimagine Public Art: Vol. 2,” visit culturela.org/reimagine/.