Urban Sentinels is an installation composed of four three-dimensional sculptures derived from my abstract geometric works on paper. These sentinels are not traditional warriors or guards, but quiet observers of the urban landscape, caretakers of balance, and keepers of harmony. Full of color and vitality, they offer a meaningful pause amid the city’s turbulent pace, inviting us to slow down, contemplate, and find renewal in a moment of stillness.
Dwelling in a large window set against a hand-painted mural in green tones reminiscent of the city’s vegetation, the Sentinels’ vibrant forms both contrast and converse with their natural backdrop. A smaller painted window offers decorative company, while a suspended, cloud-like element hovers above, evoking the ever-changing sky. Together, these elements create a contemplative and playful atmosphere for passersby.
The #EyeOnArt Program at the Ion, Houston’s innovation hub, are an adaptive reuse of the beloved Sears building on which Ion was built. The display windows are a unique opportunity to reimagine Sears store windows and build on the collective memory of the space’s past, present, and future. Strategically placed, as the entry points and eyes of the building, the two highly visible display windows facing Fannin and Main Streets serve as beacons to draw the community in. The art displays are a visual expression of the intersection of art and innovation and are a reflection of Ion and Ion District’s effort to support local talent.
Artist: Luisa Duarte
Location: Ion Houston
Date: 2025
Type: Temporary Site-Specific Art Installation
Role: Public Art Curator at Ion District
Photos by Slyworks Photography