Valentine’s Day has been important for as long as most of us can remember. As a celebration of love, the holiday has been associated with romantic love since the 14th and 15th centuries, when the notions of courtly romance flourished through the association of passion in the early spring. This Valentine’s season, a renowned local artist from the Southampton Village has delivered his message of love to his community on Valentine’s Day.
Called the “XOXO Hugs and Kisses Sculpture,” the 6-by-6 installment features the iconic letters emblazoned in bright red neon light. James Ding, the artist, states that his philosophy behind the piece is that “love is just as important as air, food, and water.” This, Mayor Bill Manger says, made it easy for him to agree to the North Sea Resident and sculptor’s offer to install the sculpture on the grounds of the Southampton Garts Center.
James Ding is an artist who discovered a love of screen printing in the industrial arts circle in Connecticut. He moved to Southampton to begin a silk screen printing business and found a passion for sculpture, along with a community that he loved. His decision to sell his apparel printing business to focus his energy on creating large sculptures is the “new love in [his] life.” Ding’s art, which is autobiographical in nature, focuses on one message: love.
“I’ve been a working artist my whole life,” Ding says. “Over forty years ago, I fell in love with Southampton. I am very appreciative that Mayor Bill Manger recognized that my ‘XOXO Hugs and Kisses Sculpture’ would be good for the community.”
Ding says that he is grateful to be able to contribute and be part of the village and the community he has loved from the start.
The Instagram-worthy “XOXO Hugs and Kisses Sculpture” is good for the community, Mayor Bill Manger has said. “Any time we can encourage folks to enjoy our beautiful downtown is an opportunity we cannot pass up. When James suggested this, I just had to say yes. What better way of celebrating our beautiful village than with a message of love?”
Christina Strassfield, the Executive Director of the Southampton Arts Center, has agreed with the mayor’s statement, stating: “We are delighted to share this Valentine and the sentiment behind it with all who pass the Southampton Arts Center.”
The sculpture, which will be lit up with its neon light at night, will remain standing for several weeks. Residents and tourists alike are encouraged to interact with the piece and take pictures to memorialize the moment this Valentine’s season. The public is also encouraged to post pictures on their social media to celebrate this special season.
Ding’s glowing sculpture spreads the message that love is crucial and that it is always important to cherish the people we hold dear to us. While Valentine’s Day may be over this holiday season, the sculpture will continue to stand through the next few weeks as a lasting reminder to always keep our loved ones close to our hearts.
