Check Out SF’s Brand New Neon Mural
The neon art installation marks several firsts: artist Joseph Kosuth’s first permanent public artwork on a landmark building in the USA and the San Francisco’s first major project funded by the City’s Public Art Trust
On March 13, 2019 at 6p.m., the San Francisco Arts Commission hosted a lighting and dedication ceremony to commemorate a new sight-specific neon artwork on the western façade of the historic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium by internationally acclaimed conceptualartist Joseph Kosuth. W.F.T (San Francisco) presents the etymology, or “Word Family Tree”, of ‘Civic’ and ‘Auditorium’ in white neon.
Learn more about W.F.T. at the SF Arts Commission website
Through the use of language, Kosuth’s artwork reflects the historical significance of the Auditorium while also demonstrating how words reveal relationships to cultural and social realties. W.F.T (San Francisco) is Kosuth’s first permanent public artwork on an historic building in the United States. It is also the City’s first public art project funded by a private developer, Emerald Fund, through the Public Art Trust.
“Joseph Kosuth’s striking neon installation brings a dynamic energy to the building, transforming its western façade and enlivening its environs both day and night. We are grateful to Emerald Fund for being the first private developer to contribute to the Public Art Trust to beautify the public realm across from their two developments with art. This act of civic largess on the part of the developer reflects an exemplary public private partnership, resulting in a win/win for the city and the public. The work is not only visually compelling, it is educational and engaging. I’d also like to thank Another Planet Entertainment for their cooperation and assistance,” says Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny.
According to Kosuth, “The essence of this building and the historic plaza of which it is part is what I have tried to address in this public artwork. The basis of this project is language itself. It is a work that is both a reflection on its own construction as well as on the history and culture of its own location.”
DEDICATION AND LIGHTING CEREMONY
WHAT: Join City officials and community leaders for a dedication and lighting ceremony honoring Joseph Kosuth’s new neon mural W.F.T (San Francisco), located on the western façade of the historic Bill Graham Auditorium.
WHO: San Francisco Arts Commission, Emerald Fund, SF Planning Department and Another Planet Entertainment
WHEN: Wednesday, March 13, 6:00-6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Corner of Polk and Grove in front of the western façade of Bill Graham Auditorium
