As you walk through the main entrance of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, you literally encounter a sleeping giant.
It’s a 26 foot long inflatable sculpture, stretched out across the back wall of the museum’s Ludington Hall.
The Buddha-like work is stretched out on its side, sleeping on a pillow.
It draws all kinds of reactions from museum visitors. While the work is inspired by a 12th-century Buddha, it’s actually intended to look at life, death, and consciousness.
Artist Lewis deSoto says his work, called “Paranirvana,” or Self-Portrait, incorporates some of his features, including his face, in the giant inflatable sculpture.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art Director, and CEO Larry Feinberg says they are hosting a special event this coming Sunday at 2:30, where the artist will sit down and talk with the public about the sculpture.
This work is the fourth in a series of inflatable sculptures by deSoto which are on display around the country.
"Paranirvana" will be on display through July 31st at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
