Denver International Airport (DEN) put some of its most interesting and iconic art in storage during a multi-year construction project in the airport’s Great Hall.
But now some of those murals and sculptures are coming back.
Most have undergone restoration during their time off view. But with their return comes renewed chatter about conspiracy theories that some of the artwork inspired when it was first installed.
“We know passengers will be excited to see these familiar murals and sculptures, which have been the source of so many conversations over the years,” Interim DEN CEO Dave LaPorte put it politely.
Two 28-foot wide murals, titled In Peace and Harmony with Nature, by Leo Tanguma are already back in place on Level 5, Northwest.
And over the years, these pieces have spawned debate and added to the myths and conspiracy theories about DEN ranging from underground bunkers, lizard people and more.
Tanguma’s work references the social realist murals of Mexico depicting the destruction of the environment. The first half of the mural depicts children displaying great sadness over the destruction and extinction of life,
The second half of the artwork depicts humanity coming together to rehabilitate and celebrate nature.
But conspiracy theory fans focus on the images of war, death, pollution and environmental destruction. And some claim there are messages in the artwork about a coming apocalypse.
Lots to look at and ponder during a layover or a long delay.
A less controversial returning piece is America, Why I Love Her by Gary Sweeney.
This piece pays homage to the artist’s family vacations and the beauty and grandeur of the land, as well as the monuments and, our favorite, a wide variety of roadside attractions such as Wall Drug and the World’s Largest Ball of Twine.
Here are two other pieces that are returning to the DEN Terminal.
The mural La Memoria de Nuestra Tierra (Our Land Has Memory) by Judith Baca, is a digital tile mural exploring the concept that the land we live on and records the stories of the people who have inhabited it.
Mile High and Rising by Marcus Akinlana depicts the spirit of adventure, optimism and triumph that African Americans brought to Colorado and the Old West.
Other remaining artworks, including Spirit of the People: A Native American Exhibition and Tribute to Elrey Jeppesen sculpture will be returned later this fall.
Learn more about Denver International’s Art collection and read about a plan to put pedestrian walkways in the underground tunnels at DEN that many believe are inhabited by lizard people.
