Art Takes Over the City: Gibson's Vision for Super Bowl LX
ICA San Francisco Unveils Major Public Art Commission
Despite the local football team missing a championship opportunity at home, San Francisco is embracing the spirit of the Super Bowl with a unique artistic endeavor. The Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF) recently revealed its plan to commission a substantial public art piece by artist Jeffrey Gibson.
A Monumental Transformation: “THIS BURNING WORLD” on a Grand Scale
Gibson's contribution will be a grand adaptation of his 2022 video installation, “THIS BURNING WORLD.” This impressive vinyl mural will adorn the façade of the former Bloomingdale's building at San Francisco Centre. Spanning an entire city block at 433 feet, the installation will wrap around the building’s glass exterior, with its full unveiling scheduled for February 2nd, aligning with the Super Bowl LX celebrations.
Exploring Humanity's Delicate Bond with Nature
The new artwork draws inspiration from footage captured across upstate New York and the Bay Area. It weaves together still images from the original video to delve into what the press release describes as the precarious nature of humanity's connection to the environment. The piece aims to provoke contemplation on our role within the natural world.
Indigenous Philosophies: A Guiding Principle for Gibson's Work
Gibson articulated that Indigenous kinship philosophies provided the fundamental conceptual and philosophical framework for his 2022 presentation at ICA SF, which now informs this latest installation. These perspectives advocate for recognizing natural elements as equal ancestors and living relatives, integral to our own minds and bodies. He emphasizes that harming the land inevitably harms ourselves, undermining our well-being and safety.
Community Collaboration and Support for Urban Art
This ambitious project receives crucial backing from the San Francisco Downtown Development Corporation and the Yerba Buena Partnership. These organizations have a history of supporting public art installations in the area, having previously collaborated with artists such as Sarah Sze and Hank Willis Thomas. This continued support highlights a commitment to integrating art into the urban landscape.
Revitalizing Public Spaces Through Artistic Engagement
Shola Olatoye, CEO of the Downtown Development Corporation, remarked on the transformative power of public art in shaping urban experiences. She stated that the DDC is investing in Gibson’s work to create impactful moments that draw people in and encourage them to spend time in the city's heart. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster community and create a welcoming urban environment.
ICA SF's Evolving Vision: A Nomadic Approach to Contemporary Art
This commission marks the first major project for ICA SF since it adopted a nomadic, city-wide model after relocating from its previous home, The Cube, in December. Established in 2020 in the Dogpatch neighborhood, the institution aims to utilize vacant buildings, public spaces, and significant architectural sites as platforms for artistic experimentation, civic dialogue, and cultural momentum. Their 2026 program already features exciting projects from artists like Tara Donovan, Lily Kwong, Dominique Fung, and Heidi Lau, signaling a vibrant future for contemporary art accessibility in San Francisco.