SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — An ornate mermaid statue that suddenly appeared along San Francisco’s waterfront was garnering attention Tuesday morning. When KRON4 News came upon the large, metallic art piece, a crowd of French tourists were swarming around it, taking pictures and examining its shimmering scales.
Others waited nearby for their chance to take a picture or snap a selfie with the large-scale mermaid.
The sculpture, which was situated at Pier 1 1/2, a few yards north of the San Francisco Ferry Building, is the work of artist Dana Albany, who specializes in massive, metallic sculptures and mosaic. The mermaid piece is known as “Coralee,” and according to Albany’s website, is “composed of recycled glass and mixed metals.”
“Coralee” was created on a site at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, England. The mermaid was part of the Radical Horizons Exhibit: The Art of Burning Man exhibit.
“This mesmerizing creature emerges from the past, paying homage to legend and mythical tales about mermaids once said to inhabit the landlocked region of the National Peak District in Great Britain,” Albany’s website explains.
“In our present time, Coralee urges viewers to take a closer look at the treasures she is compiled of and perhaps contemplate current environmental issues on land and at sea,” the website continues.
The mermaid sculpture is the latest “Big Art” project from the Sijbrandi Foundation, a nonprofit that launched an initiative last year to bring large-scale public art to San Francisco. The initiative is behind a number of other big art pieces currently on display around San Francisco, including the “Naga” sea serpent in Golden Gate Park, and “R-Evolution,” a giant, 50-foot statue of a naked woman located just a couple hundred feet from “Coralee” across from the Ferry Building.
“Coralee” was officially unveiled in a public announcement at the statue’s site at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 at San Francisco’s Pier 1/2. At the ceremony, officials announced the launch of Big Art Loop, on initiative to bring 100 temporary large-scale sculptures to San Francisco over the next three years.
“Coralee was born from wonderful collaboration and community,” said “Coralee” artist Dana Albany, who was present for the event. “We worked with local schoolchildren in England who helped craft her glass scales from recycled bottles. As a San Francisco artist, I’m excited to see how she’ll transform the waterfront and inspire new conversations.”
“Arts and culture events are fueling San Francisco’s comeback,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who was also on hand. “Big Art Loop will bring creativity back into our neighborhoods, connect people through activated public spaces, and drive our economy.”
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