Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

Artist Celia Alvarez Munoz has created a mixed-media artwork, a visual and verbal journey that is conceptually presented through the interaction of three components – a verbal narrative which tells a story about a child’s remembrance of family trips when passing through Phoenix; a panel of authentic WWII bomber gauges which have been restored, and in some cases appear to be “working”; and a third panel presenting a painting reminiscent of airplane “nose art”, popular during WWII. This depiction of a Hawaiian girl in a lush tropical setting refers concurrently to the old Wrigley’s gum advertisements, 1920’s travel posters, and Arizona’s involvement in the Pacific during WWII.



Recalling a child’s journey from El Paso to California, this piece tells the story of a family roadtrip. Three separate panels make up the artwork, each with a distinct presence that relates to the next. The first, a text panel, describes a family vacation that occurred after the father came home from war. Hugging wet towels to keep cool in the desert heat, the narrator tells viewers of “la fantastica pantells” (the fantastic movie screen) while viewing a Phoenix sunset through the windshield of her father’s car.

The design of Sentimental Journey is based on World War II era airplanes and graphics. Using authentic WWII bomber gauges in the center, the text panel links to the image of a Hawaiian girl in a lush tropical setting. The picture is airbrushed onto sheet metal, depicting a likeness to the “nose art” seen on planes during WWII while hinting at old Wrigley’s gum advertisements. The overall finish leaves visitors with a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

Between the three panels, viewers are given enough information to imagine the trip and the feeling of that time in history. All one has to do is look out a window to see the desert sunlight is constant, giving the same presence as was left on the narrator in Sentimental Journey. It is this link into someone’s memory that reminds viewers of the history of Phoenix and its impression on all who visit the city.

About the Artist
Celia Alvarez Munoz was born in El Paso, Texas and currently lives in Arlington, Texas. She received her M.F.A. from the University of North Texas. Her solo exhibitions include the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, the Dallas Museum of Art, Capp Street Project, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Lannan Museum. Munoz has also created numerous works of public art.