Enrique Martínez Celaya debuts transformative curtain at Los Angeles Opera

Cuban artist Enrique Martínez Celaya has debuted a transformative 21-meter hand-painted curtain at the Los Angeles Opera’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Titled ‘The Things We Know’, the artwork is designed to evolve visually as it ascends during performances throughout the 2026-2027 season.

The piece begins with an image of two children—a girl with a fishbowl and a boy with a caged bird—which gradually transforms into scenes of stars, flowers, and light before fading into darkness. This dynamic movement is integrated into the core of the theatrical experience rather than serving as mere decoration.

Following the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season, the curtain will be divided into individual paintings to be sold. This initiative, commissioned by LA Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch, aims to monetize the work to fund future productions, effectively turning the stage piece into a collection of documented contemporary art.