Project Description

In What was here once before, Sevag Mahserejian draws inspiration from the unaltered natural landscapes of Canoga Park and their relationship to the built environment. As developments have come and gone, the mountains and vegetation that keep watch over the west San Fernando Valley community endure. The continuous presence of flourishing landmarks such as the Madrid Theatre, Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Canoga Park High School and vibrant storefronts on Topanga Canyon and Sherman Way are also significant to the layered local landscape. Mahserejian fused analogue and digital approaches to create the artwork, beginning with paint on canvas and then digitally collaging individual elements to form the composition that celebrates culture, nature, presence and timelessness. 

This artwork was commissioned for Metro’s Through the Eyes of Artists poster series for display in the fleet. 

Artist Statement

“The ever-persistent force of the mountains keeps watch, accumulating the knowledge of a world that unfolds below. A timeless captivation of what was here once before.” 

About the Artist

SEVAG MAHSEREJIAN (b. 1986, California) fuses culture, painting, theatre and writing with a whimsical and dreamlike approach. His paintings reveal multiple layers, textures and colors that communicate his Armenian heritage as well as cultural synergies and differences to connect with the natural world and life’s simple pleasures as they impact perception. Mahserejian graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2009. His artworks have been exhibited throughout the United States and particularly in Los Angeles County, where he  lives and works. 

About Through the Eyes of Artists

In the tradition of celebrating transportation through colorful travel destination posters, Metro Art commissions a diverse range of Los Angeles artists to create original artworks for the Through the Eyes of Artists poster series. Established in 2003, the posters are displayed onboard Metro trains and buses.

View other works in the series.

Display year: 2022