Pilara Foundation’s Pier 24 a Must-See in San Francisco

Posted 08.17.11 by Dorothy Goldeen
Pier 24 is the new world-class destination for viewing fine art photography in San Francisco.  Comprised of over 2,000 photographs, Pier 24 houses the permanent photographic collection of the Pilara Foundation, established by collector and philanthropist Andrew Pilara and his wife, Mary.  Located in a 28,000-square-foot facility underneath the Bay Bridge, it is a must-see for art lovers of historical, modern and contemporary photography. Pier 24 is now hosting its third exhibition, titled “Here”. The show focuses on the vibrancy of the San Francisco Bay Area.  It includes 700 works by 34 photographers who have lived or been inspired by the area with an emphasis on late twentieth century images.   The exhibition draws from the Foundation collection as well as including works loaned from other institutions and private collections.

 

A distinguishing sensibility in the choice of images and the style of the installation make for an exciting view on a range of subjects.  The classic landscape images by Carlton Watkins of Yosemite and other locales fill an entire room.  The awe of landscape continues in more recent works.  Richard Misrach’s engagement with the Golden Gate Bridge and the mystery of the bay bring magic to the prosaic.  Gorgeous photographs celebrating the female form by Edward Weston and Ruth Bernard share a dialogue in another room.

In 1878, Eadweard Muybridge trudged with his gear to the top of California Street to make a 360-degree record of the city.  In 1990 Mark Klett revisited the idea, attempting to match Muybridge’s photographs.

The results are shown in a glorious installation occupying one wall, contrasting the different architecture and development of the city, while revealing the difference in the photographic process and papers of each photographer, separated by over one hundred years.

The conceptual concerns of contemporary photography are explored by Todd Hido in “House Hunting.” He shot ordinary, manicured houses at night.  The houses were lit only from within.  The photos imply human occupation but have an eerie, haunted quality that questions the activity inside.

Doug Rickard’s photographs look like straight documentary street scenes. In fact, he sources the locations on Google Street View.  He then re-photographs the scenes of choice on his computer screen.  It is virtual photography fully utilizing the scope afforded by new technology.

An inspired addition to the show includes video of the history-making car chase scenes around San Francisco from the 1968 classic film, “Bullitt,” starring Steve McQueen and directed by Peter Yates.  Still considered the gold standard of chase scenes, the context of the show gives the film footage a whole new dimension.

Pier 24 is accessible to the public by appointment only by visiting www.pier24.org.  This policy provides an intimate and contemplative environment to view the work.  It is a gift in every way.