Part two of the 7th " Illuminate SF Festival of Light " - Tara Mechani

For the seventh consecutive year, the "Illuminate SF Festival of Light" arrives as scheduled. From Thanksgiving to New Year, San Francisco will be lit by 40 permanent and temporary light art installations. The Christmas tree and holiday decorations are not the only highlights of this holiday season. We have carefully selected 12 installations to let you experience this wonderful light art journey.

Tara Mechani

Temporary installation

Author: Dana Albany 2019

Location: Hayes Valley

Source: San Francisco Travel Association

Designed by Dana Albany, this 17-foot-tall sculpture is inspired by the robot Maria in the silent film Metropolis, combining the characteristics of ancient female Buddha and future female robots. 80% of the sculpture is made from recycled materials, including machine parts and hardware collected from local businesses. The sculpture has custom chandeliers built in, made of recycled brass luminaires, and the arms have been bent and machined to extend to the sides of the sculpture to form a rib cage. At night, the sculpture exudes a soft light, representing "her heart and soul ... shining from the inside.

Source: San Francisco Travel Association

Best viewing time: After dusk

Follow Octavia St, head south to Market St., then west to the intersection of Market St. and Laguna St. and board the F Line tram bound for Castro. Get off at 17th Street and Castro St.