Public Art Proposal Display
Art Proposals for India Basin Shoreline Park Public Art Project
The San Francisco Arts Commission is conducting a review process to choose an artist to create a sculpture or series of sculptures for the new India Basin Shoreline Park. The artwork should be inspired and responsive to the proposed park design, its natural habitat, physical landscape, site history, and sustainability. Additionally, the work should be a point of discovery and have a cohesive narrative experience along trails of the Park, serve as an asset for the community and expression of neighborhood identity, and provide a community benefit, which includes providing opportunities for artists with a meaningful connection to the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. Four artists were chosen as finalists by a Public Art Review Panel to design site-specific proposals for this artwork opportunity: Michael Arcega, Cheryl Derricotte, Kristine Mays, and William Rhodes.
A Bronzed Rainbow is a commingling of all the colors of a rainbow into an earthly palette of natural tones and variations of browns. This color range is harmonious and integrates with the landscape, becoming a metaphor for the communities in San Francisco. The sculpture stands as a monolith of positivity, perseverance and celebration of diversity. We often associate the end-point of the rainbow as having wealth or promise of hope. This sculpture signifies that it is here.
Come Sit a Spell! is a series of sculptural artworks that visually illustrate familiar porch designs and furniture elements into a welcoming entrance to the new India Basin Shoreline Park. Visitors will walk under a 14-ft aluminum structure, “The Porch.” As they walk through “The Porch” and travel on the path to the water, they will pass a series of over-sized sculptural “Heritage Chairs,” representing the original waterfront workers. Five sculptures in total, “The Porch” and four “Heritage Chairs” will be created and placed into the park to delight visitors.
There is a rhythm, a way of being, a certain communication that happens within black community that not everyone understands. The glances, eyebrow raises, and mere sounds exchanged between black folk that say it all without saying much of anything. This exchange is universal among black people. The way we can dance, laugh and enjoy one another in the midst of struggle. The way we enter a room and look for one another. The way we move as a group and know that our ability to spark change is birthed in community. "Joy Personified" is a celebration of community.
Three colorful life-sized thrones with high backs, made from porcelain enamel clad stainless steel or aluminum (to be determined) and concrete seats will be set along the walking path on level concrete foundations that allow easy access by all park visitors. When seated on a throne, looking out over the park and the water, community members will feel empowered, regal, and valued, an integral part of the City of San Francisco. Working in the Bayview Hunters Point community for over a decade, I have noticed that many long-time African American residents don't feel like they are a part of San Francisco due to half a century of neglect of this part of the City. And now gentrification and displacement are making many long-time residents feel alien in their own community. I want the thrones to be a symbol for the important presence of the Bayview community within the larger City community, and encouraging pride in our dynamic history.
Opportunity For Public Comment
Please take a few minutes to review these artwork proposals and provide feedback on the public comment forms below. Public comments will be considered by the Review Panel as part of the Final Review Panel meeting where the Panel will recommend one proposal for implementation. Please note that public comments do not constitute a vote.
Public comments will be considered by the Review Panel as part of the Final Review Panel meeting where the Panel will recommend one proposal for implementation. Please note that public comments do not constitute a vote.
The Final Review Panel meeting will take place remotely and will be open to the public. An agenda for the meeting will be posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting on SFAC’s website under the Public Meeting section: www.sfartscommission.org