Hometown professional surfer, world-renowned artist, and Mira Costa High School graduate Chris Barela will unveil a one-of-a-kind epic wave sculpture evoking his passion for the ocean at Manhattan Village shopping center on Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. in Center Court. The community is invited to join in the milestone commemoration of Barela’s original bronze work.

Aptly named Yin Yang Wave, Barela’s distinctive double-sided wave sculpture synchronizes the endless force of the ocean as the tides ebb and flow. 

Said Chris, about the piece, “Much of my respect and inspiration in art comes from growing up in the South Bay, the ocean, and my surfing. I really wanted to bring in the movement and power of that for people to experience with this piece.

“This project means a great deal to me because it comes from my soul and establishes a personal connection to the beach community that I grew up in; I feel very honored.”

The wave is a significant contribution to the South Bay art community, as the art piece in Manhattan Beach marks the third original bronze Barela sculpture in the area. The other commissioned art pieces include the famed Tim Kelly statue at the foot of the Hermosa Beach Pier, and the life-size statues of esteemed legends and Body Glove founders, Bob and Bill Meistrell, that grace the entrance to the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach.  

“We are thrilled to have a sculpture that epitomizes Manhattan Beach and its love of the arts and the ocean," said Liz Griggs, general manager for Manhattan Village. "We are equally pleased that it was created by someone who grew up in the area and has moved on to become world-renowned. We look forward to the community joining us in the dedication.”

The unveiling on April 8th culminates a monumental week for Barela, who will be inducted into the prestigious Surfer’s Walk of Fame in Hermosa Beach on Saturday, April 4. A former professional surfer, Barela appeared on the cover of Surfing Magazine, and retired from the sport in the late 1980s. He turned his love for the ocean into a career in sculpture, painting, photography and filmmaking. Barela now resides on the Big Island of Hawaii where the Yin Yang Wave was built in his Puako studio. The sculpture was shipped to his foundry in Ventura, California, where it received finishing touches.

For more information on Barela Art, contact Barela Gallery at (808) 885-5111 or visit the gallery website.