Atabey’s Treasure
-ON DISPLAY NOW-
Artist: El NiNo
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Project Instagram
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Location: Port of San Francisco at Brannan St. Wharf
see map
Installation Date: October 2025
Partners: San Francisco Port, Sijbrandij Foundation, Building 180
Photo credits: Mattias Löw, EspressoBuzz, Brandon Driscoll-Lutttringer, George Krieger
Top image is rendering and subject to change
Atabey’s Treasure is a sculpture of a fish leaping from the earth, made from steel and recycled pizza pans. It honors Atabey, the Taíno goddess of fresh water, fertility, and life—an essential and revered force in the cultural heritage of Puerto Rico. This piece is dedicated to my homeland. After hurricanes, earthquakes, and power outages, our island is still in need. Through this work, I want to bring light, support, and awareness, not just for Puerto Rico, but for the planet.
Atabey represents life, resilience, and the sacredness of water. Her spirit reminds us of what’s at stake when we ignore the Earth. This is my way of giving her and us a voice.
About the Artist
NiNo is a Puerto Rican artist whose journey is woven with creativity, purpose, and a deep love for human connection. From designing for television and world-renowned performers to crafting large-scale public art, his work is a testament to the power of art in shaping communities. His celebrated projects, like Múcaro’s Rising, a CODAward-winning basketball court mural in Puerto Rico, and interactive installations at Burning Man, are more than just visual statements—they are invitations for people to engage, reflect, and dream. With every brushstroke and structure, NiNo seeks to ignite conversations, bridge cultures, and inspire others to see art not just as an expression, but as a force for transformation.
