Little Cloud Sky is a new SAM commission from FriendsWithYou, the internationally celebrated duo of Samuel (Sam) Borkson and Arturo (Tury) Sandoval III. The large-scale installation will be in the museumâs Brotman Forum, its main entrance lobby and a community space that is free to the public to enjoy without a ticket to the museum. The commission was organized by JosĂ© Carlos Diaz, SAMâs Susan Brotman Deputy Director for Art.
Little Cloud Sky (2025) is composed of 40 of the artistsâ signature Little Cloud character, each custom made of plastic, four feet wide, and suspended from the ceiling of the Brotman Forum. The work is designed to spread positivity and inspire a sense of connection, encouraging museum visitors to reflect on the beauty of togetherness and the power of joy and nature. While versions of this interior skyscape have been displayed in cities around the world, including Las Vegas, Miami, Tokyo, and London, this is a brand-new iteration and the artistsâ first long-term museum installation.
The Little Cloud character serves as a symbol of peace and connectivity and can be found throughout the artistsâ work. In August 2024, Londonâs Covent Garden featured Little Cloud World, an installation with 40 inflatable Little Cloud characters. In January 2024, Tokyoâs Yoyogi Park hosted Little Cloud Sky, accompanied by a large-scale parade, âThe Happy Dancing Rainbow Alliance,â featuring FriendsWithYouâs iconic characters.
About the Artists
FriendsWithYou is the collaborative art project of Los Angeles-based artists Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, working collectively since 2002 to create modern modes of spirituality with the mission of having a positive impact on our world. Their artwork has been materialized as experiences, immersive installations, sculptures, paintings, animation, and live performances. FriendsWithYou invites audiences to engage with art as a gateway to joy and connection. Inspired by Pop art, minimalism, and spiritual symbolism, their work features bold colors and recurring characters to evoke a sense of childlike wonder while conveying deeper themes of unity and positivity.
FriendsWithYouâs work has been exhibited around the world. Their latest work, The BAND, an interactive performance-based installation featuring five, large-scale autonomous robots, is currently on view at the Cleveland Public Library. In Miami Beach, the artists have a permanent public artwork 50-foot tall sculpture titled Starchild, commissioned by The City of Miami Beach. FriendsWithYou has had recent projects in Covent Gardens in London, MOCA LA, the Telfair Museum in Savannah, the Dallas Contemporary as well as several gallery shows in Japan and Hong Kong.