(SANTA ANA, Calif.) – John Wayne Airport (JWA) is delighted to announce the opening of Plume, an evocative new art exhibition by painter Cody Jimenez. Originally from New Mexico, Jimenez earned his MFA from the Laguna College of Art and Design in 2017. Now residing in north Orange County, he continues to mentor aspiring artists in the graduate program.
Plume explores the intersections of Southern California’s diverse ecology, the demands of modern society, and the toll these factors take on mental health and the natural world. The exhibition juxtaposes vivid depictions of local flora and fauna with surreal plumes of smoke, creating a compelling visual narrative that evokes both beauty and foreboding. The exhibition is located in the baggage areas of Terminals A and B and will be on display through April 8, 2025.
“Cody Jimenez’s work embodies a deep respect for nature while addressing complex emotional and environmental themes,” said Heather Bowling, JWA Arts Program Curator. “His art invites travelers to reflect on the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.”
Working in the style of Imaginative Realism, Jimenez constructs vivid, imagined universes painted with lifelike precision. In these worlds, emotions take physical form, radiating vibrant colors into their surroundings. This innovative approach allows Jimenez to delve into the dualities of beauty and danger, offering a deeply personal exploration of his own life experiences.
Beyond his art, Jimenez is dedicated to wildlife conservation, supporting organizations like the National Wildlife Federation and the Red Panda Network. His passion for protecting the natural world shines through in every piece of his work. For this exhibition at John Wayne Airport, he has committed to donate 30% of all art sales to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center of Orange County, a local non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center.
Learn more about Cody Jimenez’s artistic practice by following him on Instagram: @codyjimenezart and on the web: www.codyjimenez.com. The exhibition can be found pre-security on the lower Arrivals Level, throughout the Baggage Claim of Terminals A and B. For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits.