Coralee
-ON DISPLAY NOW-
Artist: Dana Albany
Website
Instagram
Team: Heather Henderson, Kathy Richardson, Flash Hopkins, Haideen Anderson, Angie Matt, Dana Kornfeld, Pat and John Charos, Mr Lucky, and local school children from Derbyshire, England
Location: Port of San Francisco at Pier ½
see map
Partners: Sijbrandij Foundation, Building 180, SF Port
Photo credits: Arianna Cunha
Dana Albany's Coralee is a captivating 18-foot-long mermaid sculpture that perfectly embodies the spirit of San Francisco—innovative, creative, and deeply connected to the environment. Crafted from steel and reclaimed materials, Coralee serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our marine ecosystems. With its mesmerizing curves and intricate details, it celebrates the ocean’s mysteries while drawing attention to the importance of sustainability and the art of transformation.
The location at Pier 1/2, with its sweeping views of the Bay and iconic Bay Bridge, was chosen with intention. The site is a bustling intersection of the city’s maritime heritage and modern vibrancy, making it an ideal backdrop for Coralee to spark curiosity and reflection. As visitors stroll along the Embarcadero, they’ll be invited to pause and contemplate the delicate balance of nature, the importance of preserving our oceans, and the power of art to inspire change.
This installation, which has captivated audiences in England and Mare Island, will further enhance the Embarcadero’s waterfront—turning an ordinary walk into an extraordinary experience. Coralee will stand as both a landmark and an invitation to explore the possibilities of what art and nature can become when they come together in harmony.
Artist Statement
"Much of my work is deeply rooted in the notion of using multiple pieces to create a larger cohesive work of art. Originating from a mixed palette of recycled materials, my work reclaims discarded artifacts from the distant past to re-imagine new meaning.
In many instances, the ideas will emerge from the objects themselves as the form takes shape. I specifically use repurposed materials and intentionally recreate a whole new context for them.
There are times when I find solace in exploring thought provoking ideas regarding nature, technology and the sublime. Other times, I will work on projects where I jump into creation within a whimsical world of community-oriented magic, color and play. I find that both modes of creative expression are essential to my well-being as an artist.
Overall, I love working with the human and animal form and I’m fascinated by its endless expression and ability to convey movement and emotion. The essence of my art practice is summed up in this statement: A journey into the past with the future envisioned.”
— Dana Albany
