Local artist Leah Rosenberg’s site-specific installation, 18 Colors For Ghirardelli Square, invites visitors to take themselves on a multicolored meander through this famous San Francisco landmark. Using a palette of 18 hues; thoughtfully dispersed throughout the square in hand-painted murals, full-spectrum steps, banners, benches and signs, Rosenberg draws attention to aspects of the surrounding architecture and landscape that might otherwise go overlooked. The installation prompts participants to observe and connect to the world around them.

Ultimately, the experience of these colors is up to you. Listen for some, taste a few, allow the others to move you through the site. Perhaps, you notice the blue sailboat anchored in the Bay is brighter next to the deep blue water. As you sit on a bench with a lime green stripe, do you look up to catch the olive tree leaves turning silver in the sun? Or reflect on the purple banner that pairs perfectly with the jacaranda in bloom? In some areas the entire palette dances together in a chorus; elsewhere you will find colors performing their dynamic solos. Follow the stripes along corridors, around corners, up and down stairs as they angle and fall, break into bricks, and burst into pieces of confetti!

ABOUT GHIRARDELLI SQUARE

Originally built in the 1860s to house Ghirardelli Chocolate’s manufactory and headquarters, Ghirardelli Square reemerged in the 1960s as a culinary hub and retail destination featuring artist Ruth Asawa's "Andrea's Fountain" as the centerpiece.

SPECIAL THANKS:

For every color there is someone to thank: Jamestown team; New Bohemia for painting the murals, bench, and blade signs; Stephanie Hunter for painting all the other colors you see sprinkled around; Lisa Mishima for map design; Airyka Rockefeller for photography; SFSU MFA class 2019 for humoring me; Ehsan Darbandi.