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Oceanside Museum of Art is proud to present, John Edward Svenson: California Sculptor, an exhibition that celebrates Svenson's legacy as an architectural sculptor and artist of public art commissions.
Architectural sculpture has played a long and distinguished role in western culture. America's fascination with neoclassical design and architectural sculpture is clearly demonstrated in the capitol's many 19th century monuments and government buildings. In the first half of the 20th century the Works Progress Administration further advanced America's commitment to the egalitarian concept that quality of life is enhanced by art and that it should be a part of public places.
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Southern California saw a remarkable flourishing of architectural sculpture in the 1960s and 1970s as Home Savings and Loan built branch offices throughout the region under the visionary leadership of Millard Sheets. One of Mr. Sheets' principal collaborators was Upland sculptor, John Edward Svenson. Svenson completed 22 site-specific sculptures that were installed in branch offices throughout Southern California. His work is seen in parks, hospitals, hotels, cities, malls, airports, schools, museums and churches. Many know his "Sun Dancer" bronze porpoise fountain at the Laguna Niguel Ritz-Carlton and "George Chaffey" at the Ontario International Airport. He sculpted five larger than life bronze busts for Claremont University and U.C.L.A., and has twice received the American Institute of Architecture Award for Excellence in Sculpture.
Svenson is also a member of the American Medallic Sculpture Association. Among his bronze medallions are those he created for King Hussein and Iba Saud, San Gabriel Mission, Jet Airways, Alaska Pipeline and Northrop Corporation.
Svenson's work has been shown in museums and galleries around the world. Selected exhibits have been at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego; National Academy of Art, New York; Otis Art Institute, Los Angeles; Pasadena Art Museum; University of California, Riverside; and the Alaska State Museum.
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