The newest mural in Albuquerque’s Public Art Program’s collection, “La Puesta del Sol” by local artist Roberto Lara, was dedicated on the Rail Yards Pattern House in Downtown Albuquerque.
The project came about as a professional development opportunity, with the artist engaging with the Public Art Program in developing the largest mural proposal he has done so far.
Lara is an Albuquerque-based artist who specializes in contemporary mixed media paintings with a street graffiti influence.
“Today, we celebrate a beautiful new mural and a powerful story about Albuquerque’s spirit,” said city of Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Samantha Sengel. “ ‘La Puesta del Sol’ marks the beginning of our Rail Trail’s artistic journey, transforming a historic space that once employed a quarter of our workforce and opening up new possibilities for art along this transformative route.”
“La Puesta del Sol,” commissioned by the Albuquerque Arts Board, is a brightly colored mural composed of abstracted features of Albuquerque’s cultural and natural landscape including Downtown’s iconic buildings and depictions of the Sandia Mountains. Lara captures the sunsets that New Mexico is renowned for with the vivid array of pink, red and yellow hues symbolizing warmth, hope and the vibrant spirit of the city.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to paint at the Rail Yards, as it was a place where I’d paint and explore when it was abandoned. Now years later, being involved in the revitalization of the Rail Yards is something I will forever cherish,” said Lara. “The power of art and creativity will continue to motivate me, as this project is just the beginning of many more to come.”
