Sentinels, 2011

Juan Alonso-Rodríguez
(Cuban, born 1956)

Location: Chief Sealth High School, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Sentinels are a suite of six sculptures created by artist Juan Alonso-Rodríguez for Chief Sealth High School. The abstract figures act as guardians. They pay tribute to our ancestors, teachers, and protectors. Elements of his father's designs for his family house in Cuba inspired the geometric forms.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Seattle Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Juan Alonso-Rodríguez creates paintings, drawings, and sculptures in his studio and for public spaces. He notes "As a believer that art has the ability and artists the responsibility to inspire social well-being, I welcome balance between the introspection necessary to formulate ideas in the solitude of the studio and the gift of sharing some of the benefits with society."
Alonso-Rodríguez was born in Havana, Cuba and moved to Miami, Florida with his aunt and uncle at age ten. He was based in Seattle for forty years, from 1982 to 2022. He is an activist for social justice and inclusion in the arts. In 2019, he was honored with a Washington State Governor's Arts and Heritage Award. He served on the Seattle Arts Commission and the Seattle Public Art Advisory Committee.

ARTWORK DETAILS
Material CategorySculpture - other metals
MediumStainless steel
DimensionsSix sculptures, 8 ft x 3 ft x 12 in each
ID NumberWSAC2011.002.00A-F
Acquisition MethodSite responsive commission
Artist LocationFlorida, United States
Location Information
AgencySeattle Public Schools
Artwork LocationChief Sealth High School
Auditorium, Exterior
WA CountyKing
PlacementExterior
Site TypePublic School
Address2600 Thistle Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98126
Geo. Coordinates47.528475, -122.366104
Before VisitingSome artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access.
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