A new public art installation is shining bright in San Antonio. The City of San Antonio’s Council District 4, in collaboration with the Departments of Arts & Culture, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works, proudly announces the completion of Ujuālnān (Grand Sky), a stunning new work by San Antonio artist Doroteo Garza, now open at Pearsall Park.
Celebrating Ancestral Roots and Cosmic Wonder
Inspired by the planets of our solar system, Ujuālnān—meaning “Grand Sky” in Pajalate, a Coahuiltecan language once spoken in the lands of Yanaguana (San Antonio) is a tribute to both ancestral heritage and the boundless future. The installation invites visitors on a journey through a scaled representation of the solar system, encouraging reflection on our place in the cosmos and our deep connection to nature.
“This experience through the Milky Way provides an opportunity for park visitors to reflect on their place within the universe and feel connected to the scale, urging one to realize the maxim, ‘as above, so below,’” said artist Doroteo Garza. “The depth with which I approached the concept for this project is rooted in my understanding of San Antonio/Yanaguana as the center of the Universe. This is our ancestral teaching, our creation story.”
Science Meets Art
Developed in consultation with Chris Packham, Ph.D., Professor of Astrophysics at UT San Antonio, the project mirrors the solar system on a 1:11 billion scale, with thoughtful adjustments made for Pearsall Park’s landscape. Each element represents the vastness of space while grounding visitors in the rich cultural history of the region.
A Gift to the Community
“Having Ujuālnān (Grand Sky) in our district is a true gift to the community. It brings art, culture, and science together in a way that honors our history, celebrates our present, and inspires future generations,” said City Council District 4 Councilmember Edward Mungia. “I’m proud that residents and visitors alike can experience this beautiful connection to our heritage and the universe.”
Visit Ujuālnān (Grand Sky) at Pearsall Park
The installation is now open to the public at Pearsall Park, offering families, artists, and space enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore art through the lens of both culture and science.
For more information about the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture, visit SA.gov/Arts and follow @getcreativesa on social media for the latest updates and events.
