In Situ: Seward Johnson, Los Mariachis

I have the pleasure of having this sculpture, Seward Johnson’s Los Mariachis, just walking distance from my home in Trenton. The artist had many different sculptures set up all around the downtown area of the city. Unfortunately, I didn’t photograph them fast enough before they were taken off display, but I did get this one, which is still standing in front of the CURE Arena.

Seward Johnson, an American sculptor, left a lasting impact on Trenton, New Jersey, with his lifelike, life-sized sculptures. Known for his hyper-realistic bronzes, Johnson’s sculptures are placed around the city, capturing everyday moments and inviting interaction. Pieces like “Double Check,” a businessman sitting with his briefcase, and “Waiting to Cross” add a sense of humanity to urban spaces. Johnson’s ability to freeze time and humanize public spaces has turned Trenton into an open-air gallery, allowing residents and visitors to experience art as part of their daily lives, seamlessly blending into the environment.

Seward Johnson’s Los Mariachis, displayed at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ, is a bronze sculpture depicting two life-sized mariachi musicians in mid-performance. The piece captures the energy and vibrancy of traditional mariachi music, a key element of Mexican cultural heritage. The musicians are frozen in dynamic poses, evoking the lively atmosphere typical of mariachi performances. This artwork celebrates diversity and cultural harmony, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural appreciation through public art .