Oct 052012
4th and Mission
5th and Mission
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These sandblasted, fused and cast glass pieces are by Narcissus Quagliata. Narcissus Quagliata is an Italian and U.S. Citizen. He was born in Rome in 1942 where he studied painting with Giorgio De Chirico. At the age of 19 he moved to the U.S. and studied at the SF Art Institute, receiving both a Bachelors and n Masters in Painting and Graphics. He began working in glass soon after graduation.
This piece is titled Oracle. There are 40 panels, 8 per floor measuring 3 1/2 X 3 1/2 X 28″. They were commissioned in 1993 by the San Francisco Arts Commission for the Downtown Parking Association and the Department of Parking.
I like the way each window creates a different view of “reality” with a variety of lens effects and light-blocking rectilinear shapes I really like this piece. What a shame it was placed where relatively few people will ever see it, and I wonder how many people scurrying from their cars to MoMA or the Metreon and back take time to appreciate Mr. Quagliatta’s art, much less even notice it? Seems to me like a waste of good art, but since the SF Arts Commission is behind it, I probably shouldn’t be surprised.
It’s nice that an effort was made to have art rather than plain glass. I too hope people notice the panels.
This is an unexpected place for art, which I suppose is the point. But I’d wish it were in a spot better placed for viewing and, perhaps, better care.
There is artwork even in a garage. I have to admit that I didn’t notice it until you pointed it out. I will take a closer look the next time I am in that garage.
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