We were totally perplexed the other day when we noticed an art plaque on the side of a building near Mission and Cesar Chavez. It explained that "Substrata" was the work of David Goggin, and was made of molded concrete. But where is the art? We looked around and couldn't see anything.
Google to the rescue, though: this vintage Xerox of a pamphlet cover reveals that the art consists of several faux utility covers molded into the sidewalk. The SF Arts Commission has a photo, and this website has a description that includes the phrase "active analogy for the subconscious mind." Further Googling shows that in 2005, the Arts Commission took possession of the latex molds that were used to create the work.
Also, there appears to be some disagreement about whether it is called "Substrata" or "Substrada." Which do you think is better? And does this thing irritate or thrill you? We kind of like the idea of public art that's hidden in plain view like a Waldo -- although it would have been nice if the plaque was a bit more specific about exactly what we should be looking for. Or better yet, if it was written in verse!
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