A weathered roadside sign carrying the promise—and illusion—of the American Dream.
In Bel-Air Motel, Alex transforms the familiar language of vintage motel signage into a carefully constructed sculptural work. Its faded turquoise surface, rusted edges and aged lettering suggest a roadside relic shaped by time, memory and abandonment.
The work explores the influence of American popular culture on New Zealand identity. “Bel-Air” evokes glamour, opportunity and the promise of a better life, while its weathered surface hints at the uncertainty behind that ideal. Beneath the optimism is a search for the full story—the substance, evidence and inconvenient truths we may prefer to drive past.
Built through numerous translucent layers of paint, the surface has a convincing sense of history and depth. Humour and nostalgia draw us in, but the work ultimately asks us to consider where our cultural symbols come from and what lies behind their carefully constructed promises.
Nostalgic. Weathered. Thought-provoking.
Oil on timber and aluminium 465 H × 200 W × 180 D mm Freestanding sculptural work mounted on a base
A weathered roadside sign carrying the promise—and illusion—of the American Dream.
In Bel-Air Motel, Alex transforms the familiar language of vintage motel signage into a carefully constructed sculptural work. Its faded turquoise surface, rusted edges and aged lettering suggest a roadside relic shaped by time, memory and abandonment.
The work explores the influence of American popular culture on New Zealand identity. “Bel-Air” evokes glamour, opportunity and the promise of a better life, while its weathered surface hints at the uncertainty behind that ideal. Beneath the optimism is a search for the full story—the substance, evidence and inconvenient truths we may prefer to drive past.
Built through numerous translucent layers of paint, the surface has a convincing sense of history and depth. Humour and nostalgia draw us in, but the work ultimately asks us to consider where our cultural symbols come from and what lies behind their carefully constructed promises.
Nostalgic. Weathered. Thought-provoking.
Oil on timber and aluminium 465 H × 200 W × 180 D mm Freestanding sculptural work mounted on a base
