San Diego 1966

Sven Lukin’s “San Diego” is a three-dimensional painting, that pushes the boundaries between sculpture and painting. Born in Riga, Latvia, in 1934, Lukin’s background informs his artistic identity. When he was a child, Lukin and his family became refugees in post-war Germany, and then immigrated to the United States in 1949. This history of displacement and transition perhaps influenced his desire to explore the relationships between forms and space. His construction with its bright colors and geometric shapes embodies the clean lines of West Coast modernism. Yet, it’s impossible to ignore the emotional impact of these colors. This sculpture is a celebration of the possibilities of abstract art. He invites us to experience the joy of shape and color. Lukin has said, "I want my work to be direct, immediate, and to have an impact.” “San Diego” reflects and shapes our understanding of the interplay between place, identity, and artistic expression.