On September 24, PHL celebrated the artwork of Philadelphia artist Serena Saunders in Terminal A-West by gates A-16 and A-17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The installation, entitled Up, Up and Away, includes a gradient mural on the ceiling, custom-glazed floor tiles, and a three-dimensional wall painting. An acrylic panel contains 88 hand-painted discs that appear to be suspended in space, giving the installation its weightless appearance. Out of 88 hand-painted discs, 26 depict images of Philadelphia, inspired by public suggestions.
“Travelers have come to expect great amenities that make traveling through Philadelphia Airport a positive and memorable experience,” said PHL Collections & Exhibitions Curator Helen Cahng. “One such example is the PHL Airport Art Program, which provides access to the work of exceptional local artists.”
Saunders is renowned for her striking abstract paintings and mural projects that foster meaningful connections within local communities. Up, Up and Away is a permanent site-specific artwork designed to actively engage viewers with Saunders’ distinctive style and vibrant color palette. This piece offers an opportunity to explore the intersections of travel, culture, and commerce.
“I have permanently gained creative alliances with the awesome individuals that contributed to Up, Up and Away,” said Saunders. “For over two years, dozens of people engaged in very rigorous design and installation calls. These afforded me the benefit of a host of new knowledge and meaningful relationships. Creative Philadelphia guided, nurtured, and pushed me to deliver the best version of my concept, a version I didn't know was possible. I thank Marguerite Anglin and the Creative Philadelphia team, as well as Helen, Ursula, Leah, and the PHL team, for making the wildest dream of a girl from West Philadelphia come true. I also thank my home team, Jhalil and Zayim, for believing in me and putting your talent to work. Thank you, Erik, of Jordan and Sons, for the expert floor install.”
Up, Up and Away is part of the City’s Percent for Art Program, commissioned by Creative Philadelphia and PHL.
“We are here to dedicate, Up, Up and Away, a truly eye-catching new public artwork by Philadelphia's own, Serena Saunders,” said City of Philadelphia Chief Cultural Officer and Executive Director of Creative Philadelphia, Valerie V. Gay. “We thank her for creating this joint piece, which weaves the imagery of Philadelphia's landmarks and cultural symbols. Up, Up and Away, will welcome visitors with a taste of our city, and will leave residents with a reminder of home when they travel.”
For more information about Saunders, visit mspassionart.com.
