New Star Sculpture from Burning Man Artists Brightens Mint Plaza

The San Francisco Arts Commission approved the project last year with the goal of making the plaza more inviting during evening hours. “The artwork is intended to activate the plaza in the evening so that the space is more welcoming to enter at night,” the commission stated in its project proposal. This initiative is seen as a step toward enhancing public engagement in the area.

Artist duo Hybycozo, known for their intricate designs inspired by the perforated metal lamps of the Middle East and Morocco, was selected to create the piece. Titled “Aurum,” this sculpture features an “exploding” three-dimensional star shape that references the historical significance of the Old Mint, a site that played a crucial role during the San Francisco Gold Rush.

Artist Yelena Filipchuk, one of the creators, explained the connection between the sculpture and the history of gold in California. “Six billion years ago, the explosion of super-heavy stars shot gold out into the primordial ooze,” she shared, emphasizing the cosmic origins of gold that ultimately shaped the region’s history. She added that the sculpture’s illumination at night serves as a reminder that “there is a light within each of us.”

Hybycozo’s works have gained recognition beyond Mint Plaza, having been featured multiple times at Burning Man, including a notable piece called “Point of View” that paid tribute to Filipchuk’s home country of Ukraine during its conflict. The duo has also created installations in various locations, including outside the Wynn resort in Las Vegas and the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

The Mint Plaza sculpture represents a significant investment of $250,000, funded through the city’s 1% Art Program, highlighting the importance of public art in enhancing community spaces. As the sculpture illuminates the plaza, it aims to foster a sense of connection and wonder in the heart of San Francisco.