Through “Past/Present/Future,” Mauricio Lopez distills his perception of the landscape of the Rockaways with its streets and buildings that are framed by the continuous change of colors and textures of open sky, ocean, and bay. 

Past and present are depicted through a variation of light and seasonal colors and abstract shapes of the landscape. Future is visualized by new developments and the environment, reflected through different levels of transparency in the glass. The various layers present both a timeline and an organic portrayal of the community. 

In creating the artwork, Lopez was inspired by the powerful natural setting of the Rockaways that has provided life for centuries and attracted many to move to the area in the last 150 years. As people from the Rockaways may say, “Once you get sand in your shoes, you’ll come back.” Lopez’s artwork honors those who have lived and live in the Rockaways, and their tenacity and commitment to their community. 

Mauricio Lopez is a lighting designer, architect, and artist. In 2011, he founded ML Studio, Inc., an architectural lighting design firm based in New York City. Mauricio brings to each project his expertise and understanding of the physical and perceptual aspects of lighting and architecture. Lopez’s artwork is included in public and private collections, and won the Urbancanvas competition organized by the NYC Departments of Buildings and Cultural Affairs, the NYC Mayor’s Office, and the Rockefeller Foundation.