The impressive installation, known as "Naga and The Captainess," features a 100-foot-long glowing sea serpent constructed from stainless steel mesh and adorned with 5,000 individual aluminum scales. The sculpture's internal lighting system illuminates the scales from within, creating a mesmerizing effect that transforms the artwork into a beacon of light against the park's natural backdrop.
Over 250 dedicated volunteers and a team of skilled artists spent the entire month working tirelessly to construct and install this remarkable bubble-blowing sea serpent, which made its original debut in the harsh Nevada desert environment of Burning Man last year. The transition from desert to urban park represents nearly two years of planning and coordination.
The complete installation extends far beyond the serpent itself. When fully realized, "Naga and The Captainess" will encompass a 100-foot climbable seating area designed to resemble a shipwreck, interactive treasure chests specifically created for children's engagement, and an expansive street mural painted to replicate the appearance of ocean waters.
The ambitious project carries a substantial price tag of $400,000, with organizers successfully raising approximately 85% of the required funding. As of the latest reports, they continue actively fundraising to cover the remaining $62,000 needed to complete the installation.
Ben Davis, representing the Illuminate art nonprofit organization, first encountered the sculpture nearly two years ago when he saw design renderings of the installation. He immediately recognized its potential fit within Illuminate's "Golden Mile" initiative - a curated stretch of the JFK Drive pedestrian promenade that hosts an array of murals, sculptures, interactive games, and food trucks.
"Those involved in the installation had high hopes for what this piece would look and feel like," Davis explained. "The reality is even much greater. As you come upon it, it takes your breath away for a second."
The sculpture's journey from the Nevada desert to Golden Gate Park required extensive collaboration between multiple organizations. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department provided crucial oversight for the undertaking, working alongside Building 180, a women-led art production studio, and the locally-based Sijrandij Foundation to ensure successful implementation.
Stephanie Shipman, one of the installation's co-creators, expressed the team's vision in an official release, stating that they want Naga's section of the promenade to serve as "a space where people gather, linger and dream." This aspiration was evident during the celebration events marking the sculpture's installation.
The inaugural festivities included a family-friendly party held on Saturday, followed by a special lighting reception on Monday night that marked the first time the statue was fully illuminated for public viewing. These events embodied the community-focused spirit that the creators hope will define the installation's ongoing presence in the park.
According to organizers, "Naga and The Captainess" represents the largest public art installation ever to grace the JFK Promenade, setting a new standard for artistic ambition within Golden Gate Park's cultural landscape.
Phil Ginsburg, the general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, praised the sculpture's impact, stating that "the sculpture's shimmering lights and powerful presence will breathe new life into the park, as well as invite conversation and connection."
Ginsburg emphasized the broader significance of public art, declaring, "Public art should move us, unite us and spark the imagination. Naga does just that."
The installation operates under a temporary permit, initially approved for one year with the possibility of extension to two years. Davis expressed optimism about the sculpture's future, noting that he could envision the tenure extending further if the artwork proves popular with park visitors and continues to serve the community effectively.
The full installation forms part of Illuminate's broader "City of Awe" initiative, an ambitious series of public art projects distributed along the Golden Mile. Other components of this cultural program include additional illuminated sculptures and a unique pop-up outdoor garden bar, creating a comprehensive artistic experience for visitors.
Davis shared his hopes for the sculpture's long-term impact on the community, expressing his desire that residents' visits to Naga become a regular habit. He envisions that "the sculpture's amazing, peaceful, beautiful energy fills those who come to see him with that same spirit."
"It's an extraordinary urban experience, completely free and open to everyone," Davis emphasized, highlighting the democratic accessibility that defines the project's mission.
The sea serpent's presence at Rainbow Falls Pond, situated along the 1½-mile car-free stretch of John F. Kennedy Drive, creates a unique intersection between art, nature, and community space. The man-made waterfall provides a dramatic backdrop for the illuminated sculpture, enhancing both the visual impact and the contemplative atmosphere that the creators sought to establish.
The sculpture's sophisticated lighting system, capable of illuminating the thousands of aluminum scales from within the steel mesh structure, represents a significant technical achievement. This internal illumination creates dynamic visual effects that change throughout the day and evening, ensuring that each visit offers a potentially different experience for viewers.
As "Naga and The Captainess" settles into its new home in Golden Gate Park, it stands as a testament to the power of collaborative artistic vision and community support. The sculpture bridges the gap between the experimental art culture of Burning Man and the accessible public spaces that define San Francisco's commitment to cultural enrichment.
