Giant, 45-foot sculpture installed at San Francisco's Ferry Building
In San Francisco, a new cultural landmark has taken form. R-Evolution, a captivating steel sculpture of a woman standing 45 feet tall, is now nestled in Embarcadero Plaza, reshaping the city's waterfront skyline.
This towering artwork, weighing an impressive 32,000 pounds, underwent a cross-country journey from Nevada's Black Rock Desert before finding its permanent home in the heart of San Francisco. Created by renowned Petaluma-based artist Marco Cochrane, R-Evolution initially stunned festival-goers at Burning Man in 2015 with its monumental scale and intricate structure.
The sculpture's San Francisco tenure was not without obstacles. Initially intended for Union Square, local business owners anticipating an increase in foot traffic, the sculpture's installation at that location proved impractical due to weight concerns. A successful relocation to Embarcadero Plaza followed, relying on approval from the San Francisco Arts Commission and the Recreation and Parks Department.
Engineered with precision and artistic flair, R-Evolution consists of two layers of geodesic triangles joined by 55,000 individual welds. The framework utilizes steel rod and tubing, covered by a stainless steel mesh that brings form to the figure.
The sculpture represents a remarkable amalgamation of classical sculpting techniques, medieval technology, and modern engineering. Marco Cochrane began with a 3/4 life-size clay original before scaling it up using ancient tools called pantographs. Sixteen motors hidden within the sculpture's chest cavity cause the torso to rhythmically rise and fall from 5 to 6 PM daily, while RGB LED lights illuminate the figure from within, creating a mesmerizing spectacle at night.
Born to American artists in Venice, Italy, Cochrane carries a lifetime of artistic exploration with him in this project. R-Evolution serves as the third and final piece in his Bliss Project series, born from a deep interest in feminine energy and its role in creating balance in the world. The sculpture captures model Deja Solis in the standing yoga position of tadasana, embodying presence and strength.
A mixed reception has greeted the arrival of the sculpture, with some viewing it as an empowering symbol of feminine might that rejuvenates downtown's arts scene. However, others have expressed concerns over city priorities in light of ongoing challenges with homelessness and public safety in neighboring areas.
Following its debut on April 10, R-Evolution has sparked discussions inviting reflection on gender, freedom, and the role of women in society. The sculpture will remain at Embarcadero Plaza for at least six months, with plans to potentially extend its stay.
R-Evolution joins San Francisco's extensive collection of public art, representing both a cultural conversation starter and a testament to the ongoing dialogue between contemporary art and urban reality. Whether seen as an inspiring symbol or a questionable priority, the R-Evolution sculpture's presence at Embarcadero Plaza commands attention, inviting locals and tourists alike to engage in discourse about the future of public art and civic priorities in San Francisco.
[1] San Francisco Arts Commission Board Approves Installation of R-Evolution Sculpture by Marco Cochrane, San Francisco Arts Commission Press Release, March 4, 2025. https://www.sfartscommission.org/news/press-releases/san-francisco-arts-commission-board-approves-installation-of-r-evolution-sculpture-by-marco-cochrane[2] R-Evolution Sculpture to Join San Francisco Waterfront, San Francisco Chronicle, April 10, 2025. https://www.sfchronicle.com/arts/article/R-Evolution-sculpture-to-join-San-Francisco-16605647.php[3] R-Evolution Sculpture Arrives at Embarcadero Plaza, KQED News, April 9, 2025. https://www.kqed.org/news/12124476/r-evolution-sculpture-arrives-at-embarcadero-plaza[4] 'R-Evolution' Sculpture: A Symbol of Feminine Strength and Liberation, Art Zealous, April 15, 2025. https://artzealous.com/2025/04/15/r-evolution-sculpture-a-symbol-of-feminine-strength-and-liberation/
While R-Evolution, the awe-inspiring sculpture, has found its permanent home at Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco, it's not just revolutionizing the city's skyline but also setting a new standard for home-and-garden decors. The intricate piece, consisting of geodesic triangles and stainless steel mesh, adds an element of artistic sophistication to the city's collection of public art.
Moreover, as a symbol of feminine strength and empowerment, R-Evolution serves as a thought-provoking conversation starter, encouraging discussions on gender roles and the future of public art, merging seamlessly with the urban reality of San Francisco's lifestyle landscape.
