BREA : Unveiling: Invitation to Interpret

While cars on Brea Boulevard whizzed by, a group of people sipped champagne and nibbled on appetizers as they scrutinized the latest installment in the city’s Art in Public Places program.

Christened “Internal Spring,” the 7-foot-tall bronze sculpture of a naked man wrenching in anguish did raise a few eyebrows when it was unveiled Wednesday in front of the Brea Northpointe Professional Park.

Developer Michael Cohen, who commissioned the artwork, invited the guests to take a closer look. “The sculpture is ready for interpretation,” he said before unveiling it. “Please interpret.”

Since 1975, Brea has been asking developers to include public art in their projects. Brea was the first city in California to adopt an Art in Public Places program and more than 90 artworks have been installed throughout the city.

“I think it is great when a piece evokes comment,” said Delaina Hofacre, a member of the Art in Public Places Advisory Committee which oversees the 11-year old program. “I like to put it out there and see what happens.”

The latest piece was created by sculptor Guy Angelo Wilson, who has produced other works displayed in Orange County, including the “Laguna Greeter” in Laguna Beach. He is currently working on a sculpture for the city of Garden Grove.

Wilson said “Internal Spring” has a reflective quality that many people can relate to. “It is something everybody goes through, where you confront something,” he said. “There is a definite overtone that things that don’t come easy can harden your soul.”

Embedded in the statue are other figures representing life experiences. A pregnant woman rests at the base, while another woman coils in a fetal position.

He said it took about six months to complete the work, which started out as a drawing and a small maquette, or miniature of the statue. Wilson worked closely with the developer to decide on the piece and its direction.

The city’s Art in Public Places Advisory Committee does not interfere, allowing the developer and artist to create the project. However, they do monitor the process to make sure the artworks are suitable for their locations, Cultural Arts Manager Emily Sabin said.

Even before it was unveiled, renderings of “Internal Spring” caused some heads to turn, Sabin said.

“Some people are focusing on the nudity aspect,” said Sabin, noting that Brea’s art program already includes a few artworks that depict nude females. “But having an unclothed figure allows for a timeless identity. I think people in Brea are quite ready for a piece that offers so much to so many.”