Spotlight: Kathleen Ryan; The Poetics of Dimensions; Maryam Yousif: Riverbend
October 25, 2024–March 16, 2025
Solo Exhibition
Curated by Ali Gass. The Poetics of Dimensions Curated by Larry Ossei-Mensah.
Image: Kathleen Ryan. Screwdriver, 2023. ICA SF, San Francisco.
Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF)
345 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
+1 415-226-9250
ICA SF Website
ICA SF Instagram
ICA SF Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Friday | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Overview
How exciting is it for a FREE MUSEUM to open in a location close to public transportation? AND that has EXCEPTIONAL ART. These are all things I think about when I write my reviews for A LOVE LETTER TO ART.
Today’s LOVE LETTER TO ART highlights the ICA SF’s inaugural exhibitions for the museum’s new FABULOUS Financial District location: Spotlight: Kathleen Ryan (explores themes of consumerism and decay); Larry Ossei-Mensah’s The Poetics of Dimensions (reveals the poetry in everyday objects); Riverbend: Maryam Yousif (is inspired by anonymous Iraqi female blogger Riverbend)—all close THIS SUNDAY March 16, 2025.
Preview of Spotlight: Kathleen Ryan; The Poetics of Dimensions; Maryam Yousif: Riverbend. ICA SF, San Francisco.
Shown here:
1) Kathleen Ryan. Screwdriver, 2023 from Spotlight: Kathleen Ryan
2) Kathleen Ryan. Bad Lemon (Desert), 2023
3) The museum’s INCREDIBLE 5-story atrium and step seating!!!
4) Moffat Takadiwa. The Towering Twins, 2020 from The Poetics of Dimensions
5) Shinique Smith. Bale Variant No 0014, 2008
6) Esteban Ramón Pérez. Distorted Myths (Popo y Itza), 2021
7) Melissa Joseph. Indian Dirty Dancing, 2024
8) Miguel Arzabe. Last Weaving, 2018
9) Nengi Omuku. The Lighthouse, 2021
10) Evelynn Harra (ICA SF) with Anthony Akinbola. Fantasy World, 2023 (claw machine)
11) LOOK!!! The museum still houses the vault and deposit boxes from its former life as the SF branch headquarters for Bank of America!
12) Maryam Yousif. Swan, 2024 from Maryam Yousif: Riverbend
13) Larry Ossei-Mensah (The Poetics of Dimensions Curator) and Ali Gass (Founding Director + Chief Curator ICA SF)
14) Ali Gass, Meghan Smith, Edie Trautwein
15) ICA SF Street View
The new ICA SF is a really incredible and HUGE space. The museum’s 5-story atrium amidst its step seating is show-stopping cool. Another cool feature is that it once was the city’s main Bank of America branch, so the massive 26,000-square-foot space still houses the original bank vault and deposit boxes.
Can’t wait to see even more terrific art at their recently expanded location in the Financial District. I worked downtown for almost a decade before the pandemic, so writing this post was a fun walk down memory lane as I included ICA SF’s nearby recommendations.
🗓 Spotlight: Kathleen Ryan; The Poetics of Dimensions; Riverbend: Maryam Yousif run until March 16, 2025.
💌 Did you see the show(s) or try any of our recommendations? What did you think? Let us know in the comments (in the Reviews section located on the second tab at the top of the page).
Quick Guide: ICA SF
⭐ ADMISSION: ADMISSION IS ALWAYS FREE.
⭐ LOCATION: ICA SF is located at 345 Montgomery Street between California and Pine Streets.
⭐ HOURS: The museum is open Wednesday–Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Thursdays 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
⭐ EXHIBITIONS:
- ON VIEW: Spotlight: Kathleen Ryan (March 16, 2025 Close)
- ON VIEW: The Poetics of Dimensions (March 16, 2025 Close)
- ON VIEW: Riverbend: Maryam Yousif (March 16, 2025 Close)
- ON VIEW: CCA Student Series: Jonah Reenders (March 16, 2025 Close)
- ON VIEW: Teen Program Zine Exhibition (March 16, 2025 Close)
- ON VIEW: Dogpatch Community Court: Patrick Martinez (ongoing)
- UPCOMING: Masako Miki and stay, take your time, my love by David Antonio Cruz (May 16–December 7, 2025)
⭐ EVENTS:
- Makers Studio: Fun for All Ages! (Museum Hours)
- UPCOMING: Masako Miki Opening reception on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
⭐ NEARBY PARKING:
- 555 California Parking Garage at 555 California Street (1 min walk/1 min drive)
- 7 Spring Street Garage (alley) at 550 California Building (2 min walk/3 min drive)
- St. Mary’s Square Parking Garage at 433 Kearny Street (3 min walk/1 min drive)
⭐ PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Montgomery Street Station [BART/MUNI] (5 min walk). Closest Muni bus line is the Cable car C stop at California and Kearny (2 min walk).
⭐ NEARBY ART:
- Jessica Silverman (Chinatown) – SF Gallery representing a PHENOMENAL selection of emerging and mid-career artists] ON VIEW: Catherine Wagner: Reel to Real on view from Feb 27-April 5, 2025. (4 min walk/4 min drive)
- Rebecca Camacho Presents (Jackson Square) – Terrific contemporary art gallery located in Jackson Square. ON VIEW: Will Gabaldón: Will Gabaldón: Leave all the windows open and Angelo Vasta: To Hold Myself from March 6-April 19, 2025. (6 min walk/2 min drive)
- Gallery Wendi Norris (Jackson Square) – Innovative contemporary and modern art with an exceptional roster of artists. ON VIEW: Leonora Carrington: Mythopoesis, Jan 21-March 15, 2025.] (7 min walk/5 min drive)
- Gallery Japonesque (Jackson Square) – Exquisite Japanese art, antiques, and furnishings. (7 min walk/3 min drive)
- Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco – (Chinatown) Org with nearly 60 years of history dedicated to Chinese culture and heritage, featuring a FANTASTIC art gallery located on the 3rd floor of the SF Chinatown Hilton. (6 min walk/3 min drive)
- Edge on the Square (Chinatown) – Contemporary art gallery focused on culture and community. UPCOMING: All Eyes on Us: Invention & Ingenuity During Artistic Diasporas feat. Bhumikorn Kongtaveelert, David Huang, Jeanette Lazam, Jiabao Li, Ko Si Hing, Leland Wong, Sun Park, Terry Luk, Yumei Hou, and Yuqian Sun from March 27–Dec 13, 2025. (7 min walk/3 min drive)
- Micki Meng Chinatown (Chinatown) – Contemporary art arbiter Micki Meng’s Chinatown gallery with additional locations in SF’s Dogpatch, Chelsea and Paris. UPCOMING: Nam June Paik: Rear Window March 13–May 2, 2025 (6 min walk/2 min drive)
- Chinese Historical Society of America (Chinatown) – The museum (housed in the Julia Morgan designed YWCA BUILDING) is the oldest and largest archive and research center on Chinese American history in the U.S. Current exhibitions include: We Are Bruce Lee: Under the Sky, One Family; The Underground: We Love Bruce Lee; Living in Chinatown: Memories in Miniature, Created by Frank Wong; and Chinese in the Richmond. *They recently announced plans to commission a bronze Bruce Lee statue in Chinatown’s Portsmouth Square. (10 min walk/4 min drive)
⭐ NEARBY DINING:
- The Vault Garden (Financial District) – An all-weather outdoor restaurant conveniently located adjacent to the museum, serving elevated brasserie-style dishes and craft cocktails. *Also check out, The Vault Steakhouse, located inside 555 California. (next door) BOOK The Vault Garden on Open Table HERE. BOOK The Vault Steakhouse on Open Table HERE.
- Tadich Grill (Financial District) – Old-school seafood restaurant, a San Francisco institution, and the longest operating restaurant in California (since 1849), with incredible charm. Love their booths! (5 min walk/4 min drive) BOOK Tadich Grill on Open Table HERE
- Café Sebastian (Financial District) – Miami restaurateur Brad Kilgore’s farm-to-table bistro at the Transamerican Pyramid Center. Ama, Kilgore’s Japanese-Italian fusion hi-fi lounge, is slated to open next door later this spring. (6 min walk/4 min drive)
- MadLab Kakigori (Financial District) – Kilgore’s GLORIOUS gelato + shaved iced desserts in Café Sebastian. (6 min walk/4 min drive)
- Sohunan of Henry’s Hunan (Financial District) – Henry’s Hunan original location in the FiDi revamped as Sohunan. (3 min walk/3 min drive)
- Schroeder’s (Financial District) – Historic German beer hall serving hearty fare and steins since 1893.
- Pagan Idol (Financial District) – A tiki escape in FiDi from the team behind Bourbon & Branch.
A LOVE LETTER TO ART’S CHEAP & CHEERFUL PICKS
- Escape From New York Pizza (Financial District) – New-York style pizza sold as pies or by the slice. *Check out their happy hour on Mon-Fri from 4-6 pm with $3 slices and $3 beers. (3 min walk/3 min drive)
A LOVE LETTER TO ART’S CASUAL DINING PICKS
- R & G Lounge – Classic Cantonese famous for their salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab—a SF FAVE OF ANTHONY BOURDAIN. *CHECK OUT THEIR $15–$17 LUNCH SPECIALS. (5 min walk/3 min drive)
💖 A LOVE LETTER TO ART’S ROMANTIC DINING PICKS
- Wayfare Tavern (Financial District) – Tyler Florence’s elevated take on American comfort food in an elegant, old-world setting. Everyone raves about the fried chicken, but my fave is the burger. (3 min walk/3 min drive) BOOK Wayfare Tavern on Open Table HERE.
- Leo’s Oyster Bar (Financial District) – FABULOUS oyster bar and seafood restaurant with romantic vintage vibes. *Check out their happy hour on Mon–Fri from 3:00–5:00 p.m. (3 min walk/4 min drive) BOOK Leo’s Oyster Bar on Open Table HERE
- Mister Jiu’s (Chinatown) – CHIC modern Michelin-starred Chinese cuisine set on historic Waverly Place. (8 min walk/5 min drive)
⭐ NEARBY SHOPPING (Upscale Retail in Jackson Square):
- Anine Bing – Anine Bing’s SF boutique for her LA-Scandinavian aesthetic. (1 min walk/2 min drive)
- Goldwin – Goldwin’s San Francisco store, the brand’s only U.S. location, showcases impeccably crafted Japanese outdoor gear blending innovative design with exceptional functionality. (7 min walk/5 min drive)
- Isabel Marant – San Francisco boutique of the Parisian-inspired, bohemian-chic fashion house. (1 min walk/1 min drive)
- Lan Jaenicke – Gorgeous made-to-order cashmere line. (1 min walk/2 min drive)
- Paul Smith – San Francisco boutique for the designer’s British tailoring of playful prints.(1 min walk/2 min drive)
- Zimmermann – Get your fill of the Aussie house’s flounces and frills at their SF boutique. (1 min walk/2 min drive)
- Aesop – Anytime. Anywhere. Anyplace. HUGE fan of their gender-neutral, singular fragranced luxury products. (1 min walk/2 min drive)
⭐ RELATED VENUES:
- ICA SAN JOSÉ – UPCOMING: Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa: Blood Be Water (March 22–Aug 24, 2025); Who ‘Am’ I Without You? (Pt 1: April 4–Aug 24, 2025; Pt 2: June 19–Aug 24, 2025)
- ICA LA – ON VIEW: Demian DinéYazhi’ (Oct 5–Aug 24, 2025) UPCOMING: Will Rawls: [siccer] (April 5–Aug 31, 2025); Jackie Castillo: Through the Descent, Like the Return (April 5–Aug 31, 2025).
- ICA SAN DIEGO – ICA CENTRAL: Xafra eisma: hush (Feb 15-June 1, 2025); Ruben Ulisses Rodríguez Montoya (Sept 20–Jan 21, 2026) ICA NORTH: Las Hermanas Iglesias (Aug 16–Dec 27); Ethan Chan & David Peña: Heavy as Ghosts (Jan 18–July 27, 2025); The Sculpture Trail at ICA North (ongoing)
- ICA BOSTON – ON VIEW: Believers: Artists and the Shakers (Feb 13–Aug 3, 2025); Sara Cwynar: Alphabet (Feb 13-Aug 3, 2025); Sara Cwynar (Feb 7–Sept 7, 2025); Portraits from the ICA Collection (Jan 25–Jan 24, 2026).
- ICA MIAMI – ON VIEW: Lucy Bull: The Garden of Forking Paths; Marguerite Humeau: *sk*/ey-; Keiichi Tanaami: Memory Collage (Dec 3–March 30, 2025)
💌 More nearby suggestions are always welcome. Feel free to add in the comments!
A LOVE LETTER TO ART RECOMMENDS
NEARBY ART
Rebecca Camacho Presents | 526 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Rebecca Camacho Presents is a contemporary art gallery located in the Jackson Square neighborhood of San Francisco that presents emerging and mid-career artists.
Gallery Japonesque | 824 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Located in Jackson Square, San Francisco, Koichi Hara’s Gallery Japonesque features a Japanese aesthetic from ancient to contemporary. Includes stone artist Izumi and wood sculptor Iwashita.
Chinese Culture Center Of San Francisco | 750 Kearny St 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108
Rooted in SF Chinatown since 1965, Chinese Culture Center creates safe spaces for artistic expressions and creative engagement that build resilient, vibrant, and healthy communities. Our artistic programs are located at CCC’s Visual Art Center, 41 Ross, throughout Chinatown public spaces and beyond.
Edge on the Square | 800 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Welcome to Edge on the Square, the contemporary art hub located at the heart of San Francisco Chinatown. Our year-round programming is designed to bring together creators and educators for a well-rounded cultural experience. Our space welcomes Asian American artists for our twice annual art exhibitions and our signature annual contemporary art festival, as well as music events and community gatherings that foster cultural exchange and understanding.
Micki Meng | 716 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Micki Meng is an absurdly small vitrine gallery featuring works for sale by leading local and international contemporary artists. Our gallery borders San Francisco’s historic Chinatown and downtown Financial District.
Jessica Silverman | 621 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Jessica Silverman is a contemporary art gallery that represents emerging and mid-career artists.
Chinese Historical Society of America | 965 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108
The Chinese Historical Society of America collects, preserves, and illuminates the history of Chinese in America by serving as a center for research, scholarship, and learning to inspire a greater appreciation for, and knowledge of, their collective experience through exhibitions, public programs, and any other means for reaching the widest audience.
NEARBY DINING
The Vault Garden | Plaza Level, 555 California St, San Francisco, CA 94104
The Vault Garden is a covered outdoor dining oasis in San Francisco, serving a unique spin on modern-American food for lunch, dinner, and happy hour.
The Vault Steakhouse & Piano Bar | Location 555 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
The Vault Steakhouse reimagines the steakhouse with an extensive whiskey, wine, and cocktail list in an upscale restaurant experience perfect for all occasions.
Tadich Grill | 240 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, Tadich Grill is the oldest, continuously run restaurant in California, and third oldest in the United States. We prefer to keep it simple. For your convenience we now take reservations for half of our seating and the remaining half will be available on a first come, first serve basis. If there is a wait, enjoy a beverage or appetizer at the bar – always fun!
Café Sebastian | 545 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Experience market-driven cuisine at Café Sebastian, a neighborhood bistro in San Francisco with seasonal dishes and freshly baked pastries.
Madlab Gelato & Kakigori | 545 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94111
MadLab is conveniently located at Three Transamerica, 545 Sansome St., San Francisco, CA 94111, adjacent to the Transamerica Pyramid. We are a sister restaurant to Café Sebastian by Chef Brad Kilgore
*Ama is Miami restaurateur Brad Kilgore’s Japanese-Italian fusion hi-fi concept lounge slated to open next door in spring 2025.
Sohunan | 674 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111
In 1974, Henry and Diana Chung opened the first Hunan restaurant in San Francisco called “Original Hunan.” After receiving national praise, the restaurant was rebranded as Henry’s Hunan which is recognized as a San Francisco institution to this day. More than four decades later, Orginal Hunan lives on as Sohunan.
Schroeder's | 240 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Originally founded in 1893, Schroeder's longstanding history, friendly atmosphere and convenient downtown location has made the Bavarian inspired beer hall a favorite of San Francisco residents and business professionals for the past 120 years. The original structure was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and fire before being reopened at its current location of 240 Front Street by Henry Schroeder, who was actively involved in downtown San Francisco's reconstruction.
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S CHEAP & CHEERFUL PICK | Escape From New York Pizza (Financial District) | 333 Bush St, Ste 104, San Francisco, CA 94104
Financial District Escape From New York Pizza San Francisco. Order online for free delivery to the Financial District. Free pizza delivery to your office! *Check out their happy hour on Mon-Fri from 4-6 pm with $3 slices and $3 beers.
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S CASUAL DINING PICK | R&G Lounge | 631 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108
San Francisco’c Iconic Cantonese Cuisine. Renowned San Francisco restaurant serving authentic Cantonese dishes since 1985. *CHECK OUT THEIR $15–$17 LUNCH SPECIALS.
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S ROMANTIC DINING PICK | Wayfare Tavern | 558 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Upon entering Wayfare Tavern, a journey back to the early 1900's San Francisco begins. The building at 558 Sacrament Street was salvaged with fire-burned bricks from the streets of the devastated City after the San Francisco Earthquake and Great Fire of 1906. Every detail of the space, from the warm hearth of the fireplace to the William Morris wallpaper, was designed with the Barbary Coast and the turn of the century in mind. Wayfare Tavern brings a unique culinary vision and style to San Francisco, featuring authentic American dishes inspired by the city's restaurant scene of the early 1900's.
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S ROMANTIC DINING PICK | Leo’s Oyster Bar | 568 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Leo’s Oyster Bar is an award-winning 3-star cocktail bar and seafood focused restaurant in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District. *Check out their happy hour on Mon–Fri from 3:00–5:00 p.m.
*A LOVE LETTER TO ART'S ROMANTIC DINING PICK | Mister Jiu’s | 28 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
Mister Jiu’s is a contemporary Chinese American restaurant and bar located in a historic Chinatown building which previously housed the iconic Four Seas and Hang Far Low restaurants.
NEARBY SHOPPING
Anine Bing | 412 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Wardrobe Essentials For The Modern Woman. Blending elements of Scandinavian simplicity with American energy, ANINE BING offers modern wardrobe essentials for women seeking a timeless yet rebellious approach to everyday style.
Goldwin | 444 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Goldwin offers highly designed and functional sportswear. With it’s brand core in ski, brand pursues simple but versatile and technical clothing. Goldwin Official Global Website.
Isabel Marant | 455 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111 Official Online Store |
Isabel Marant's latest collections of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear fashion, bags, shoes, and accessories.
Lan Jaenicke | 431 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Buy select Lan Jaenicke cashmere coats, jackets and sweaters online.
Paul Smith | 463 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Paul Smith is Britain’s foremost designer. Shop designer men’s and women’s clothing, shoes & accessories.
ZIMMERMANN | 458-460 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Shop the official ZIMMERMANN site and discover the home of sophisticated femininity. Explore the latest ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. Online and in store.
Aesop | 445 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Formulations for Skin, Hair & Body. Aesop offers skin, hair and body care formulations, and personal and home fragrances created with meticulous attention to detail. Browse the range online.
RELATED VENUES
ICA SAN JOSÉ | 560 South First Street San Jose, CA 95113
A contemporary art museum in downtown San José.
ICA SAN DIEGO | 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
The Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego is a living laboratory for expanding the transformational power of art to build vibrant communities. C you soon.
ICA BOSTON | 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA 02210
Boston’s home for new art and ideas in a stunning waterfront museum. View exhibitions, performances & events at the ICA Boston. Plan your visit today.
ICA MIAMI | 61 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137
Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) offers year-round free and open access to the most innovative art of our time in the Miami Design District.
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Author: ALoveLettertoArt
