Zhang Huan

SAN FRANCISCO, January 19, 2010 - Mayor Gavin Newsom and Director of Cultural Affairs Luis R. Cancel is pleased to announce that in conjunction with the Shanghai San Francisco Sister City 30th Anniversary Celebration the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) will present a major artwork by celebrated Chinese artist Zhang Huan. Starting in late spring 2010, Zhang's colossal Three Heads Six Arms (2008) will make its world premiere as the focal point of Joseph L. Alioto Performing Arts Piazza, which is located in the heart of San Francisco's Civic Center, across from City Hall. Standing over 26 feet tall and weighing almost 15 tons, the copper sculpture is the artist's largest work to date. Three Heads Six Arms is part of an important series of monumental works depicting Buddha arms, legs, feet, hands and heads that was inspired by the artist's experience seeing remnants of religious sculptures that had been destroyed during the Cultural Revolution for sale in a Tibetan market. Zhang, who is based in Shanghai, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and provocative contemporary artists working today. Three Heads Six Arms, courtesy of the artist and PaceWildenstein gallery, New York, will be on loan for six months or longer. The artist chose San Francisco as the ideal setting to debut his sculpture, in part because of the long-standing history being honored between Shanghai and San Francisco during this year's Sister City Celebration. The SFAC is working with the Recreation and Parks Commission to secure the necessary permits and will announce the unveiling at later date.

"We are honored to have an artist of Zhang Huan's stature participate in the Shanghai Sister City Celebration," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "I applaud the San Francisco Arts Commission for their success in bringing this spectacular sculpture to San Francisco as it represents one of the most important cultural exchanges between the sister cities to date."

"It is a tremendous honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to bring such an incredible work by one of the world's most important artists to the heart of San Francisco," said Luis R. Cancel. "We look forward to announcing the unveiling of Zhang Huan's sculpture and to boosting cultural tourism in the City. We anticipate that locals and tourists alike will flock to the Civic Center to experience the grandeur of this masterpiece firsthand."