Artwork copyright Barbara Barnes Allen. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1995.

Artwork copyright Barbara Barnes Allen. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2012.

Artwork copyright Barbara Barnes Allen. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2015.

Itza, 1994

Barbara Barnes Allen
(American, born 1948)

Location: Chelan High School, Chelan

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Itza is a sculpture by artist Barbara Barnes Allen. The title references an Indigenous Mayan culture located in the Yucatán region of Mexico. The tiered form of the sculpture suggests the step-pyramid castle at the center of Chichen Itza, a pre-Columbian city built by the Mayan people. The artist notes, “Many times in my travels I find small things to incorporate into my work such as coins, jewelry, trinkets, and collage materials. The extensive use of various paints and metallic leaf serve to enhance the architectural departure point from which symbolic and mystical themes emanate. The final product is hopefully a stimulating fusion of imagery and personal experience ingrained in each mythological temple.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Lake Chelan School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist Barbara Barnes Allen creates intricate and architectural book artworks that meaningfully connect imagery and narrative.