Fresno State is hosting its first exhibition by a Mexican sculptor for "Wings of the City," five bronze statutes on display at the Maple Mall through August 2025. Photos via Benjamin Kirk, College of Arts and Humanities

Bronze mythical creatures have taken perch at Fresno State, silently watching the bustle of campus life. The five bronze sculptures are centrally showcased along the Maple Mall and will remain for the enjoyment and enrichment of students and community through August 2025, according to a Fresno State news release.

“The fact that California State University, Fresno, is exhibiting for the first time an exhibition by a Mexican sculptor and that, in addition, it chooses to place the pieces in an iconic place on campus, shows that the university understands and recognizes that the Mexican and Latino community constitute a significant part of the region’s culture,” artist Jorge Marín said. “It is my hope that students of all disciplines find in my work an open window towards self-knowledge and universal artistic culture, generating knowledge and ways to promote diversity.”

“Wings of the City” by world-renowned Mexican artist Marín was officially introduced to the community at a special event at Fresno State on Sept. 16. 

 

“We are elated to host the year-long exhibition ‘Wings of the City’ along our Maple Mall, showcasing five stunning bronze sculptures by renowned Mexican artist Jorge Marín. The exhibition provides us with an educational and cultural opportunity to further understand modern Mexico,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “This is a tremendous honor, and I am thankful to the Consul Nuria Zúñiga and the Center for Creativity and the Arts for bringing this unique experience to the Central Valley.”

Hosted by the Center for Creativity and the Arts at Fresno State, “Wings of the City” expands beyond the walls of museums and galleries. 

 

“The wonderful Wings of the City installation along the Maple Mall reminds me of what many Greek and Roman cities must have looked like in their heyday, with great public sculptural programs to inspire the people with the myths and legends of their gods and heroes,” said Dr. Honora Chapman, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State. “I find our students’ hope, inspiration, freedom and dreams about to take flight in these gorgeous bronze sculptures.”

In 2010, Wings of the City was originally exhibited in Marín’s home country of Mexico and since then, has traveled around the world through cities in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and, now, Fresno. 

The exhibit is sponsored by México Consulado en Fresno, Diplomacia Cultural de México and the Instructionally Related Activities program at Fresno State.