The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC), in partnership with the Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA), are pleased to announce the completed installation of the first permanent sculpture commissioned for the Treasure Island Arts Program by Hiroshi Sugimoto.

The sculpture, titled Point of Infinity: Surface of Revolution with Constant Negative Curvature, was installed on top of Yerba Buena Island in May 2023. A public unveiling and ribbon cutting celebration for the new park that is currently under construction is anticipated to take place in late 2023.

This artwork is Sugimoto’s first large scale public sculpture installation in the United States and the first of many public commissions that will be presented as part of the Treasure Island Arts Program.

“I envisioned a sculpture based on the mathematical formula for a surface of revolution with constant negative curvature.  A hyperbolic curve that suggests both infinity and eternity: two converging curved lines, getting closer and closer but never meeting,” said Hiroshi Sugimoto. “The concept of infinity is a human invention.  It is a paradox. Nonetheless, we pursue it.  It is symbolic of humankind’s pursuit of knowledge and innovation.  I know, it sounds very optimistic…”

Starting at a width of 23 feet at the base, the sculpture rises to a height 69 feet (21 meters) and tapers to a diameter of 7/8 inch (21 millimeters). Eight glass fiber reinforced concrete panels compose the base of the sculpture to a height of 18 ½ feet, and then seamlessly transition to mirror-polished marine grade 316 stainless steel that rises another 50 ½ feet.

The sculpture acts as a monumental sundial, evoking the Tower of the Sun sculpture from the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island. A stone marker will be placed in the plaza to mark the precise location of the noon shadow on the spring and autumnal equinoxes. While referencing the grandeur and innovation of the 1939 World’s Fair, Sugimoto’s sculpture is an elegant and contemplative reflection on the concept of time and humanity.

“The San Francisco Arts Commission congratulates Hiroshi Sugimoto, the Treasure Island Development Authority and the Treasure Island Community Development on the successful installation of this monumental sculpture,” said Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs. “Point of Infinity is the first of many public art installations that will help transform Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island into a world class and international destination for the arts.”

Point of Infinity is situated in one of two new hilltop parks totaling 5.4- acres designed by MacArthur ‘Genius’ Grant recipient Walter Hood of Hood Design Studio Inc. The park is located on the westernmost peak of Yerba Buena Island with sweeping, 360-degree views of the San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, Clipper Cove Beach, Golden Gate Bridge, and greater Bay Area. The public park serves as a centerpiece of the community as well as a cultural and ecological arboretum, revealing layers of history, and sits upon the foundations of a decommissioned water tank that has been transformed into a scenic overlook. The sculpture is located on top of the former water tank and will be a beacon for people around the Bay Area and visible from many vantage points including the Bay Bridge and San Francisco.

The artist was selected from a public competition in 2017 that received submissions from 495 artists from around the world. The new hilltop park was established as one of the first major artwork opportunities in the Treasure Island Arts Master Plan that was developed in June 2017 and guides the implementation of a projected $50 million in public art funds generated by Treasure Island private development over the next 20 years.

Images: ©︎ Sugimoto Studio