Intense research shapes such memories empowering King to create art that invites people to understand themselves and their lives in a connected and compelling way. Dana King continues that tradition in bronze, resurrecting love and truth from America’s buried past. She rescues everyday Black American heroines/heroes from unjust obscurity and then ennobles their tenacity and courage through figurative sculpture, recontextualizing a medium often used to elevate Eurocentric and white supremacist statuary.Īcross countless generations African elders and their descendants have communicated culture, history, and wisdom through storytelling. King’s work explores a subversive concept in a traditional form. She studies the strength and resilience of African descendants and creates pieces made of clay with her hands that are then cast in bronze. Illuminate’s many partners on the project include Paint the Void (murals), Independent Distribution Collective (music), Flower Piano (pianos), San Francisco Public Library (StoryWalk), Non Plus Ultra (beer garden), Automattic (website), Kid Safe SF, Walk SF and SF Bike.ĭana King is a classical figurative sculptor who creates public monuments of Black Bodies in Bronze. It is credited with motivating San Francisco voters to overwhelmingly pass Proposition J in November 2022, which permanently closed a section of the road (JFK Drive) to vehicles. This extraordinary transformation, funded through private philanthropy, served to reveal the promise of this former road, turned urban oasis. Even a full fledged beer garden appeared on weekends for the adults–all of this in a safe and joyful environment. More than a dozen massive murals are painted directly upon the former roadway, large-scale sculpture installations adorn the mile as creative totems to community solidarity, two grand pianos sit ready for open play, live music permeates the air from two different stages, a beautifully restored vintage caravan pours locally roasted coffee, circus performers emerge and vanish again as organically as the naturally occurring elements, a storyboard walk educates minds young and old on the history of the park, children’s games can be found in plain sight. With San Francisco-based arts nonprofit Illuminate leading the way in partnership with SF Rec Park, the road enjoyed a complete transformation over three months beginning in the fall of 2022. Previously one of San Francisco’s most dangerous roads for pedestrians and bikers, the 1.5 mile stretch has now been transformed into an urban oasis bursting with art, music and joy. Illuminate’s work is fueled by the generosity of individuals across the world, but partial funding for the Summer of Awe has been provided by San Francisco’s Office of Employment and Workforce Development (OEWD) in an effort to positively activate the city.The Golden Mile Project, located in the heart of San Francisco’s majestic Golden Gate Park, is a place of whimsy, fun and lingering delight. #NobHillWindowĪll Summer of Awe activations are a partnership between Illuminate and laser experts Nu-Salt Laser International, and Karl the Fog. “Window” (July 27 – 29) – Laser cannons atop the roof of the famed Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill, shooting directly into the “Rose Window” at Grace Cathedral. “Candle” (July 14 – 16) – Ten lasers shooting into the sky from the top of Coit Tower, creating a massive candle on the city’s skyline. “loveAbove” (July 4 – 8) – Twelve lasers shooting upwards from the base of the iconic Sutro Tower in celebration of its 50th birthday on July 4. An extraordinary kick-off to San Francisco’s Pride weekend. “Welcome” (June 23 – 25) – Twelve laser space cannons shooting 4.1 miles up San Francisco’s Market Street, creating the world’s largest Pride Flag. Through four scintillating installations this summer, Illuminate is working to turn San Francisco into the City of Awe.Ĭalled the Summer of Awe, this series of four large-scale activations focuses attention – and laser space cannons – on some of San Francisco’s most iconic monuments.
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