CALIFORNIAN WILDFLOWERS: A Solo Presentation by Pieter Hugo
September 12–November 9, 2024
Pieter Hugo Solo Presentation
Curated by Jonathan Carver Moore
Image: Pieter Hugo. Untitled, 2014. San Francisco. Jonathan Carver Moore, San Francisco.
Jonathan Carver Moore
966 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Jonathan Carver Moore Website
Jonathan Carver Moore Instagram
Jonathan Carver Moore Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Saturday | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Sunday | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
The gallery is open by appointment as well.
Overview
Today’s LOVE LETTER TO ART features Jonathan Carver Moore’s latest show, Californian Wildflowers, by South African photographer, Pieter Hugo.
“Californian Wildflowers is a portrait series by South African photographer, Pieter Hugo. In 2014, Hugo was an artist-in-residence at the Headlands Center for the Arts and during his stay, his wife visited the Tenderloin and shared with him how the Tenderloin reminded her of Cape Town.
In his many days of visiting the area he met people from all walks of life and who faced many different challenges—be it victims of the 2008 recession, war veterans or people experiencing mental health problems, but most importantly he found a sense of community that exists in the Tenderloin.
In revisiting these images and exhibiting them for the first time in California, accompanied by a coffee table book (which you can purchase at the gallery for $50), Californian Wildflowers portrays the beauty and commonality that exists in all humanity independent of one’s housing status.”
Preview of Pieter Hugo: Californian Wildflowers. Jonathan Carver Moore, San Francisco.
I LOVE THIS SHOW. Hugo’s narrative honors the grit of the Tenderloin with so much grace, a perspective often overlooked when examining San Francisco’s most polarizing neighborhood.
I spent a good part of my 20s and 30s (I worked downtown) hanging out at various places in the TL. Old, defunct hipster favorites included the Arrow Bar, Club Six, Mezzanine (great shows, not-so-great acoustics). And the ‘cheap and cheerful’ fabulous eats like Tú Lan, Saigon Sandwich, and Dottie’s True Blue Café (RIP).
The Tenderloin’s newer boutique hotels, the Proper Hotel (LOVE their rooftop bar Charmaine’s, plus interiors by Kelly Wearstler) and The LINE (Dark Bar is a terrific, intimate bar specializing in Asian spirits and apps, and they also has a rooftop bar, Rise Over Run) have added sleek places to dine and drink in the neighborhood. Saw Wicked at the Orpheum and Pulp at the Bill Graham Civic within the past few weeks (still is the district of the performing arts).
After seeing these photos taken in 2014, I am left wondering: Are these people still alive? How did they get to the Tenderloin? What would they think of it today?
Pieter Hugo and Jonathan Carver Moore on the Tenderloin. Jonathan Carver Moore. San Francisco.
🗓 Pieter Hugo: Californian Wildflowers runs until November 9, 2024 at Jonathan Carver Moore.
💌 Did you see the show? 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).
If you haven’t been to the gallery yet, check it out. It’s a beautiful space (in the Tenderloin), supporting many wonderful BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women artists.
*Also check out All Things in Motion, curated by Jonathan at Creativity Explored (Creative Growth’s sister org), which closes Nov. 16, and Jonathan’s upcoming show, Versus, centered around sports culture at Four One Nine (designed by Síol Studios), which runs from Nov. 10–Dec. 7, 2024.
Quick Guide: Jonathan Carver Moore
⭐ LOCATION: 966 Market Street between Mason and Taylor (Tenderloin neighborhood), across the street from IKEA, a few doors down from the Warfield (3 min away from the Powell Street Bart station).
⭐ HOURS: The gallery is open Thursday & Friday 12:00–6:00 p.m. Saturdays 12:00–4:00 p.m. and by appointment.
⭐ NEARBY ART: Tenderloin Museum (7 min walk/4 min drive); Asian Art Museum (12 min walk/5 min drive), Chandran Gallery (9 min walk/5 min drive), Root Division (10 min walk/5 min drive).
⭐ NEARBY FOOD/DRINK: The LINE hotel’s (nextdoor) Rise Over Run rooftop bar, Dark Bar (FABULOUS intimate bar specializing in Asian spirits and apps), and Tenderheart restaurant. Proper hotel’s Charmaine’s rooftop bar and Villon (breakfast/brunch/lunch) restaurant (6 min walk/3 min drive). Arsicault Bakery (7 min walk/4 min drive). Saluhall food hall (across street). *Cheap & Cheerful Picks: Tú Lan (3 min walk/1 min drive), Saigon Sandwich (10 min walk/5 min drive).
💌 More nearby suggestions are always welcome. Feel free to add in the comments!
A LOVE LETTER TO ART RECOMMENDS
NEARBY ART
The Tenderloin Museum celebrates the rich history of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district.
NEARBY FOOD/DRINK
Saigon Sandwich in the Tenderloin is where you’ll find the best bánh mì in the city.
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Author: ALoveLettertoArt
