The “Rise” sculpture depicting a jellyfish in front of Terminal 1 (San Diego International Airport)

Did You Know…

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

…that the dramatically renovated Terminal 1 (T1) at the San Diego International Airport features five new pieces of permanent art designed by accomplished artists from around the country?

The commissioned installations comprise a mere slice of the $3.8 billion being sunk into the remodeled structure, which includes a new road leading into it; 19 gates (so far) with 11 more opening by 2028; expanded parking; and 30 restaurants and retail stores.

Aside from the sleek, glassy aesthetics seen throughout the terminal at its September reopening, the outdoor 21-foot jellyfish sculpture called “Rise” is unmistakable. It greets travelers in front of the building with purple and pink colors and its imposing size. The piece was created by internationally renowned artist Matthew Mazzotta, who last year unveiled a giant flamingo within the Tampa International Airport in Florida.

Inside T1, more than a million glass tiles were used in a series of stunning mosaic columns crafted by Bay Area native Amy Ellingson. The artist is known throughout the U.S. and Tokyo for her works in contemporary abstractions. Her thick columns, titled “A Day in the Sun,” provide visual stimulation to passengers as they exit the TSA security area. Their colors and patterns allude to San Diego’s blue skies, sandy shorelines and the rippled ocean.

The other art installations, such as the light-catching gold branches hovering over the ticket counter (titled Torrey Pines) by Nova Jiang, can be viewed in the public-art category of T1’s website.