The artwork was selected as the result of a competition limited to Bay Area artists by a panel including Hayes Valley neighbors, arts professionals, an Arts Commissioner and City Planning staff. The sculpture will be on display until March, 2007, when another temporary art installation will soon follow.
The sculpture is intended to create a welcoming presence in the Hayes Green and provide another Golden Gateway for the city. The artist’s design was inspired by Tibetan prayer flags and is intended to be interactive, changing from one moment to the next with each current of wind. Hayes Valley resident Stefan Hastrup says, “The most interesting aspect of the installation is the ephemeral fabric surface, which changes dramatically in different light and weather. In a light breeze, the structure will suddenly dematerialize, transforming the ‘Arc de Triomphe’ into a tattered piñata. As we hoped, the piece has a lantern-like quality that seems to anticipate autumn.”
Mayor Newsom is a great advocate of public art, regarding it as an indicator of a vital and animated city. Last year, the Arts Commission embarked upon a series of temporary public art projects, partnering with organizations such as the Black Rock Arts Foundation and San Francisco State University. Following The Golden Gateway, in spring 2007, the Arts Commission will install a miniature golf course based upon Hayes Valley landmarks, created by the artist team of Wowhaus. This will be the 14th temporary project erected in the city over the past year and a half. The Arts Commission will seek alternative funding sources to allow more temporary projects to continue at the Hayes Green.
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2 comments:
In the picture, this installation reminds me of Christo and Jeanne Claude's "The Gates."
Though, to me, it doesn't seem too welcoming as the info suggests it should be. Even though I think that, I would like to see a picture that better shows that "lantern like" quality.
One of the most engaging aspects of this piece is the manipulation the wind has over the fabric. I like the fact that it changes the configuration of the piece.
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