Valencia Collection, Bogota, Colombia

Available as a Limited Edition Print!

This is my fifth painting of Pacifica, titled "Pacifica No. 5", inspired by the face of the statue of Pacifica, of the Golden Gate International Exposition of 1939.  Pacifica was an 80 footer originally built of plaster by Ralph Stackpole, that stood at Treasure Island and was demolished after the fair ended. Pacifica was the theme statue for the exposition, representing world peace, neighborliness, and the power of a unified Pacific coast. She was monumental; a spectacular statue, almost life-like, as if welcoming guests at the fair! She was and continues to be an iconic figure and it is hoped one day to have her re-built and back at the Island.

Before 1936, the spot of land in San Francisco Bay known as Treasure Island did not exist. A man-made island, 400 acres of landfill dredged out of the bay, the Army Corp of Engineers began work on it in March 1936 – before the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges were completed. It was to be the site of the Golden Gate International Exposition, a phantasmagoria of architectural beauty that would open in 1939. The fair’s purpose was to promote peace and international unity; it was also a celebration of San Francisco: the building of two new bridges launched the city’s role as the "gateway to the Pacific.” The breathtaking buildings, dramatically and inventively lit at night in glowing colors – embraced a variety of architectural styles: Art deco, Bauhaus, Romanesque. The theme of the fair was Pacific unity, sharing styles from all four continents with the Pacific coasts. As the war in Europe heated up, various participating countries had to close their exhibits. It became evident that Magic City could not be sustained. The fair closed on September 29th, 1940. The U.S. Navy set up a base on Treasure Island. All of the buildings were destroyed except for the Administration Building, which housed Treasure Island Museum until the mid 1990’s and the navy also closed since then. A new museum is in the works!

"Pacifica No.5" was exhibited for the first time at "Marin Open Studios Exhibition & Gala", on Saturday, April 30th, 2016. This painting has been awarded in ArtSlant's 3rd monthly 2016 Showcase competition in the Category of Painting. "Pacifica No.5" was last exhibited at the Old Mint during Araujo's show for "SF History Days", in March 2017.

3rd 2016 ArtSlant Prize Showcase Winner

Pacifica No.5

Category: painting