West Hollywood is debuting a temporary art exhibit today.
“Falling on Deaf Ears,” created by the artist Julio Sims is an immersive piece that will be showcased in the lobby of the City of West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room now through January 10, 2024, forming a part of the city’s Art on the Outside initiative.
The “Falling on Deaf Ears” display is an autonomous folding screen mural standing 6 feet tall, extending 22 feet wide, and with a depth of 1 foot. It portrays people utilizing American Sign Language (ASL) to express the intriguing philosophical question, “What happens when a tree falls and there is no one to hear it?” Positioned at the front of the building and oriented towards the windows, the installation employs a lenticular technique on its corrugated surface to facilitate an illusion of motion, captivating pedestrians as they perceive the dual imagery illustrating the ASL gestures.
The creator behind the installation, Julio Sims, is a distinguished artist operating out of Los Angeles, acknowledged with four enduring public art endeavors housed in Los Angeles and Culver City municipalities, and the New Roads School in Santa Monica. Sims’ portfolio extends to solo and collective exhibitions in both non-profit and commercial gallery spaces nationwide, as well as an impressive record of visual set contributions to international dance recitals.
The Art on the Outside initiative is a venture by the City of West Hollywood aiming to introduce temporary artistic displays across different city locales, incorporating an array of art forms such as sculptures, murals, digital creations, and various outdoor pieces. The showcase durations for these exhibits span between six months to three years, each undergoing meticulous evaluation and endorsement through the Art on the Outside Program, which is backed financially by the Public Beautification & Art Fund.
There is no more fitting place for this aptly named work to be displayed, except for perhaps over the dais on which sits multiple pairs of deaf ears.
the irony!
I’m happy JF1 came to the same conclusion about this installation. While not in any way wishing to diminish individuals that may be audibly challenged, it seems uncanny that this exhibit is appearing at this particular time. The question is will the city staff be viewing this as they theoretically enter from the garage?
It’s hanging in the perfect place.
This is actually funny, because not only are we ghosted and not heard by city Council, but when I was on the Disabilities Advisory Board, we used to beg the city to get us people to sign for hearing challenged people at our meetings, and the city wouldn’t do it because it cost too much money. Now they’re touting some thing called “falling a Deaf Ears?” Well, yeah, that figures. The hypocrisy is unbelievable!
I would ghost you too if you spoke to me that way. Learn some manners.
Hi Mikie, I applaud you for your continued involvement in civic discourse. It’s refreshing to see the consistency of your messaging on behalf of people with disabilities. It is unfortunate that anyone would attack you with an excoriation to learn some manners. I find nothing ill-mannered in your approach to holding West Hollywood officialdom to task, over and over. If the elected public servants have a problem with your commentary, I suggest they thicken up their skins.
thank you, Alan. When you and I have something to say, at least we own our words, and we don’t cover ourselves in a cowardly cloak of anonymity. I would take criticism far more seriously if the critic had the courage to identify him or herself.
Courage is rare. Courage of convictions is even rarer.
“Falling on Deaf Ears,” will be showcased in the lobby of the City of West Hollywood’s Council Chambers – HOW APPROPRIATE!!!!!!!!!! Perfect spot.