Last week, a new art exhibit was unveiled at the far end of Concourse B at the Denver International Airport (DIA).
From afar, it presents itself as a colorful infinity sign. But once you get closer, the full effect of the piece comes to life, demonstrating the simple yet strikingly unique concept of an item you come across in almost any travel scenario: suitcases.
The installation is called “It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back” and was created by Thomas Evans, more commonly known as Detour. It comprises nearly 200 pieces of donated luggage that Evans had been collecting for almost two years.
Evans has art all over Denver, from the colorful mural featuring Denver Nuggets players near Colfax, to his interactive piece “Gravity,” which can be found in the RedLine gallery. The full-time creative is known for the vibrancy of his pieces, and this recent one is no exception.
The pieces of luggage, donated by Colorado residents, are painted different hues, arranged to create a rainbow ambiance no matter which way you look at it. From directly under the exhibit, it’s easy to connect the piece to the infinite loop that is travel: planes coming and going as we traverse the world, one destination at a time.
The technicalities of it are equally as impressive as the aesthetic. There is a metal beam holding the entire piece together, and the clear reinforcements make it look like the entire piece is floating in the air.
Complimenting the luggage are different items that one might bring with them on their travels, such as a skateboard or a cowboy hat. The items are painted to almost blend in with the nearby luggage, but the physical space in between makes them stand out.
Many argue that the DIA holds some eerie connotations, from the glowing eyes of Blucifer to the conspiracy theories surrounding the underground tunnels for the “satanic elite.”
Even if you don’t give in to the stories, traveling in any airport can be stressful. However, this large art display serves as a reminder of the beauty inherent in our explorations.
