Art About Town: San Francisco

"Art does not lie down on the bed that is made for it; it runs away as soon as one says it's name; it loves to be incognito. It's best moments are when it forgets what it is called."

-Jean DuBuffet

I love this sculpture. It's called, "La Chiffoniere," and it stands at Justin Herman Plaza, on the Embarcadero, in San Francisco. Created for the city by French Pop artist, Jean DuBuffet, it stands just a across the plaza from the controversial, Vaillancount Fountain, but commands ones attention just as much. I took this photo on April 18th, while the celebration of the 100 anniversary of the 1906 quake, was happening across the street at the Ferry Building. The lights from the celebration, bounced off the scultpture making it seem to glow like a fine opal. Sigh. I could have stood there all night...just taking it in.

It was nice today to see Governor Schwarzenegger, and California legislators, working in a bi-partisan effort to put aside their differences long enough to campaign together for the $37.3 billion bond measure which will appear on the November ballot, and will, among other things, allow for the growth of art programs in public schools. That is so important, how many studies does it have to take, before it is more widely realized how important the arts are to our nations youth? Statistics show, that children who are exposed to the arts at a young age, were less likely to lose their way. I know art, and the fact that I was encouraged by my teachers in the appreciation of it, completely saved my life when I was a little girl. Sometimes, it still does. :) Tell me...how has an appreciation for the arts changed your life. Share with us. :)

Click here to read more information about Jean DuBuffet (Artcyclopedia)

-OndineMonet
"La Chiffoniere"
Justin Herman Plaza on the Embarcadero
San Francisco, California
April 18, 2006
Late Evening