Image via Complex Original
San Francisco definitely boasts its art stars. But sometimes the people that keep the city’s art scene alive and thriving go unseen. From curators, to writers, to street artists, a number of people within the city keep the creativity alive even while they struggle with rent raises, displacement, and more. Many of these figures operate under the same mantra: if you want to see art thrive, you sometimes have to get the job done yourself. Here are some of the city’s art personalities that you should know.
Barry McGee
Synonymous with the Bay Area art scene in the graffiti heyday, Barry McGee could quite possibly take the prize for the city’s most well known contemporary artist. His signature aesthetic made him part of the Mission School art movement and led to major exhibitions such as his participating in the 2001 Venice Biennale. For art fans unfamiliar with his work, the documentary Beautiful Losers makes for a good starting place—it tells the story of McGee and a group of artists who created their own modes of expression.
Jet Martinez
Once part of the Clarion Alley Mural Project, Jet Martinez has witnessed the transformation of public art in San Francisco over the years. His work covers plenty of walls within the city; he also displays work indoors. Martinez’ colorful and intricate style makes his work instantly recognizable within either environment. The artist recently moved to Oakland where he hopes to focus on work that really makes a difference.
Ian Ross
As co-owner of Ian Ross Gallery, Ross gives San Francisco artists a chance to show their work indoors but also transform the outdoor space of the gallery. Past exhibitions include work from artists like Zio Ziegler and Eddie Colla. As a muralist, Ross has transformed a number of walls in San Francisco and also painted the inside of Facebook’s headquarters. He’s garnered a certain “startup artist” status for commissions by companies such as Facebook. But you can also catch him creating sand murals in local areas like Ocean Beach.
Josette Melchor
As the executive director of Gray Area Art + Technology, Josette Melchor knows what it’s like to fight for an arts organization. Since beginning Gray Area, she’s relocated due to rising rent costs and competition. Now, Melchor fights to transform The Grand Theater in the Mission into a space for performance, art shows, and more. Her mission, from the beginning, lies in bridging the gap between the technology and the arts community.
APEX
Included in many a history of the Mission’s public art, APEX continues to act as a major player within this world. His abstract pieces immediately catch your eye. His work has appeared in a number of exhibitions; in 2002, he painted the SFMOMA’s display windows. He also boasts work with major brands. Whether indoors or outdoors, his work continues to evolve and surprise.
Anyka Barber
What began as a pop-up gallery became a permanent fixture, a dream come true for founder Anyka Barber. Betti Ono Gallery now operates as a multi-purpose space—boutique, gallery, community space, and more. The gallery hosts a variety of artists and doesn’t shy away from the issues that affect minorities and women. During a visit to San Francisco, for example, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh exhibited her work at the gallery and met with women from San Francisco.
Kenneth Baker
If you asked a San Francisco art lover who the defining voice of art criticism is they might give you the name Kenneth Baker. Although today a wide range of voices contribute to the art world discussion, Baker boasts decades of experience as the art critic for the San Francisco Chronicle since 1985. The author of two books, Baker continues to write on the San Francisco art scene and its many complexities.
Laetitia Sonami
Working since the 1980s, Laetitia Sonami continues to serve as an important figure for female artists working with technology. Her lady’s glove made her a well-known name within the performance art scene, particularly because she was one of a few women experimenting with sound and technology. Sonami’s performances have been praised by major publications such as The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.
Sandra S. Phillips
Curator Sandra S. Phillips still remembers the layout of “Family of Man,” a notorious photography exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art—a show that she saw at 10 years old. As a curator since 1987, Phillips boasts a deep and rich history with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Among many of her notable accomplishments, Phillips helped organize the first comprehensive showing of Diane Arbus’ photographs, prints, and more.
Andrew McClintock
San Francisco continually struggles to hold on to two things: print media and gallery spaces. Somehow, Andrew McClintock manages to operate both in a style that defies categorization. From the beginning, McClintock saw SFAQ as a way to add more seriousness to the writing surrounding art in San Francisco. Every Gold Gallery operates as a space for serious art-making too, but will adapt to each artist’s needs. You’re as likely to find a traditionally hung show in this space, as you are go-go dancers in its windows.