Join us at Los Angeles State Historic Park for the opening of progression without end, a site based installation by artist Ignacio Perez Meruane.

Inspired by the Los Angeles State Historic Park’s unique history, progression without end is a site-based artwork by 2019 Open Call Awardee Ignacio Perez Meruane.

LA State Historic Park is located along the site of the Zanja Madre (Mother Ditch) which brought water to the Pueblo, and was formerly the westernmost terminus of the Southern Pacific Rail Line. Made out of a combination of ready-made industrial materials, uncovered railroad scraps and hand-carved components, Perez Meruane’s new work speaks to expansionist ideas of modernity and the notion of linear progress. Parts of the sculpture such as the original rusted railroad track are left unaltered, while other components are cast in a repeating motif referencing Constantin Brancusi’s monolithic “endless column.” Limitlessly adaptable to different materials and scales, Brancusi’s method mirrors the relentless movement of the rail industry, the linear geo-engineering of the nearby LA river system, and new development currently visible from the park. At nearly 100ft in length, progression without end is a collapsed artwork,  forming a precariously elegant guide rail, each piece balancing on the next.

Parking is available in the lot at LASHP. Upon arrival please head toward the North end of the park across the meadow in the direction of the river.  A map of the park, including the location of the artwork is available here. 

If you are planning to attend, please follow current LA County COVID-19 safety guidelines, including wearing a face mask and observing physical distancing protocol. Two hand wash stations are available in the park. N-95 masks or respirators are suggested for attending Sunday’s reception due to the current air quality conditions from the surrounding fires. Stay safe!

Photo by Brica Wilcox