ILLUMINATE SF
Tara Mechani
Dana Albany (2019)
Temporary
Hayes Valley: Patricia's Green (Hayes at Octavia)
(view map)
Inspired by the robot Maria from the classic silent film "Metropolis," Tara Mechani is a 17-foot-high figurative sculpture that entwines aspects of the ancient female Buddha, Tara, with characteristics of a futuristic female robot.
The sculpture is comprised of 80% recycled materials, including machine parts and hardware collected from local San Francisco businesses. Inside the figure is a custom-built chandelier made out of a repurposed brass light fixture with arms that have been bent and reworked to extend around the sculpture’s sides to form a ribcage. At night, the sculpture emanates a soft glow that is meant to represent “her heart and soul...shining from within.”
Best Viewing: Anytime after dusk.
Presenting Sponsor
5M is a new, vibrant mixed-use destination in the heart of San Francisco located at the intersection of 5th and Mission streets. Developed by Brookfield Properties, named “Developer of the Year” by the San Francisco Business Times in 2021, the four-acre parcel was previously home to parking lots and underutilized buildings. Now, it has been transformed into a lively community for locals and visitors alike.