I left my heart in San Francisco

I learned about "Cupid’s Span" a couple years ago, sauntering towards PacBell Park, one San Francisco landmark, and low and behold bumped in to a completely different landmark; “Cupid’s Span.” I must say I wasn't too keen on loving a colossal arrow cemented into the ground. A little cliché maybe? Or perhaps it was my mindset when I saw it that day: a twenty three year old single woman and a hater of public displays of affection. Maybe I had a bitter old maid complex when I saw it, or perhaps the yelp postings online didn't help describing the best time to see “Cupid’s Span” is at sunset with that special person. First impressions are different for every viewer and that is what the artists of “Cupid’s Span” expect. The giant arrow was installed by two Dutch and Swedish artists, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Oldenburg and van Bruggen are notorious for monstrous size, installations that look like they should be at a California Disney Adventure Land. They are best known for public art installations that emulate every day objects.In the past they have done other installations like “Cupid’s Span,” including a matchstick book, saw, torn notebook, flying bowling pins, hammer, dust pan, garden hose, button, umbrella and binoculars. For any person who has walked past "Cupid’s Span", they can not deny the enormity and the overwhelming impression the size can cast upon the viewer. What is comical about this installation and all of the others is the fact that each is at least sixty five feet tall. Who can not laugh at an oversized needle and thread juxtaposed against a quaint, Italian town square in Milan like their installation called “Ago, Filo e Nodo (Needle, Thread, and Knot)”? “Cupid’s Span” was inspired by San Francisco's reputation as the home port of the Greek God of love, Euros. And although it may be more difficult for others, like me, to see this message intended by the artists, it is not hard to become sentimental for any San Franciscan once they become familiar with the background.

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http://www.oldenburgvanbruggen.com/
All Photo Credits: Unknown