Art In the Open: Jennifer Khoshbin and Nanako Pastol, KISS THE SKY
Artists Jen Khoshbin & Nanako Pastol [JK|NP] have teamed up to create an installation of soft sculptural artworks – including pieces designed to rest on, place in your pocket, or wear for the day, entitled KISS THE SKY. This installation celebrates Confluence Park’s beautiful, natural environment and its use as a community gathering space. KISS THE SKY will collaborate with sound artist Josh Glenn in creating a tapestry of sounds, tapping into a deeper sense of who we are as a community, while surrounded by nature and nature-inspired artworks. As part of their professional art practice, Jen and Nanako often take inspiration from San Antonio’s river, plants, flowers, and seeds. “Gathering together, we invite visitors to experience the benefits that nature-based communal spaces have on us all.”
Jennifer Khoshbin is a San Antonio public artist, having exhibited in cities, galleries, and museums throughout the US, and published and written about widely. Her commitment is to exceptional artistry and community engagement through engaging public and private art installations and collections. Born in Philadelphia, Jennifer Khoshbin was exposed to art at an early age. Both her grandfather and uncle are master carpenters; her mother is a ceramic artist; her brother a curator and her sister a performance artist. It seems meant to be. Khoshbin studied Fine Arts and Sociology at the University of Texas, Austin, and the University of Kentucky, graduating with degrees in Sociology and Art. Khoshbin has worked with bookshop owners, neighborhood committees, city councils and national institutions in a variety of public art collaborations. Khoshbin’s artwork often tells a partial story, while allowing the viewer to add their creative ideas and feelings to the work, creating a sense of ownership and endless interpretations of the piece.
Nanako Pastol is a San Antonio based Japanese artist who loves working with paper and fabric. Nanako was born in Tokyo Japan (1977) came to the United States at age 15 to study English and art in public high school in Utah, studied graphic design at the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley College, also studied Fashion Design at International Academy of Design and Technology in San Antonio. She has worked as a fashion merchandiser for retail companies like COACH, Gucci Ann Taylor, and ZARA. Amongst many creations with private clientele, she is known for her murals and art project partnership with artist Jen Khoshbin. Pastol currently lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, their two daughters, and a few furry animals.
Art In the Open is a San Antonio River Foundation initiative and program to support artists and engage the San Antonio River community and our visitors with contemporary art experiences.
Artists are invited to present projects at Confluence Park that align with San Antonio River Foundation’s mission to enhance the river as a vibrant cultural experience and promote and encourage the conservation, stewardship, and enjoyment of the San Antonio River Basin.