New Mural by Local Artist Aaron Glasson Debuts at San Diego International Airport

The Arts Program at San Diego International Airport (SAN) debuted the latest work of art in its Admiral Boland Way mural series, Plein Air Port by local artist Aaron Glasson. The 144-foot-long piece combines imagery of San Diego's varied landscape and unique airport architecture, blended with bold abstraction. The work is scheduled to remain on display through 2021 and accessible to the public from SAN’s interior roadway, Admiral Boland Way, between Palm and Sassafras streets. 

Aaron Glasson is a multi-disciplinary artist from New Zealand currently living in San Diego. He has completed large-scale permanent and temporary murals around the globe from Denver, Colorado to Delhi, India. When developing work, Glasson’s process is to have an extended engagement with an artwork’s site to draw inspiration from its ecosystem, people, and history. While developing his design for SAN, he created Plein Air Port paintings at the airport prior to the pandemic, giving the traveling public the chance to observe his creative process. 

“You can see that Aaron’s time in the terminals influenced his artwork,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority president and CEO. “The combination of shapes and iconic images compliment the airport and surrounding area by infusing vibrant colors along Admiral Boland Way – the roadway many customers use between the terminal and our Rental Car Center. We are excited to share this piece of artwork with the San Diego community and the millions of travelers passing through SAN.” 

The San Diego International Airport Arts Program includes performing arts, public art, and temporary exhibition components which are aimed at engaging travelers and creating an ambiance unique to the culture of San Diego. The Admiral Boland Way mural series is a rotating opportunity for local artists to have their work featured at the airport on the temporary mural.