Roger Stoller (2023)

Sheltering Wing, created by San José-based artist Roger White Stoller is an 18-foot-high, stainless-steel metal-lace sculpture which captures imagery that is culturally significant to both Chinese and Japanese traditions, interweaving representations of bamboo, peaches, koi, origami cranes, butterflies and chrysanthemums, among others. Stoller envisioned the artwork concept and developed the design in consultation with historian and Heinlenville descendant Connie Young Yu, San José Taiko co-founder PJ Hirabayashi, artist, designer and 3^rd generation Japantown resident Tamiko Rast and others from the city’s Asian community about what imagery should be contained in Sheltering Wing.  Importantly, while the imagery celebrates ways in which these two very distinct cultures share commonalities, those references are also in homage to John Heinlen, the businessman who leased property in a secure environment to Chinese immigrants who were burned out of the previous Chinatown in downtown San José in the 1880s. 

Stoller created a "legend" to the imagery in the artwork (see image below), in order to enhance how viewers are able to experience the sculpture.

District:3

Report a Concern: (408) 793-4330 or publicart@sanjoseca.gov.

Documents

• Sheltering Wing - Fact Sheet

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