Marco Cochrane’s 48-foot sculpture seeks new global home before October move

Marco Cochrane’s 32,000-pound sculpture “I Am” (R-Evolution) is looking for a new site after its San Francisco waterfront residency ends in October because of scheduled construction. The studio has launched a global call to cities, museums, cultural ministries and private patrons as it plans a public event before the artwork leaves Embarcadero Plaza.

Why it matters: - “I Am” is one of San Francisco’s most visible public artworks, and its next home will determine where a large-scale, internationally known sculpture is displayed next. - The move comes as the sculpture’s historic waterfront residency ends and the studio looks for a venue with the space, funding and logistics to host it. - The artwork’s breathing mechanism and scale make it unusual among public sculptures and central to its public appeal.

What happened: - Artist Marco Cochrane is opening a global Call for Expressions of Interest for “I Am” (R-Evolution). - The 48-foot-tall, 32,000-pound mesh-steel sculpture currently sits at San Francisco’s Embarcadero Plaza. - The sculpture must leave the waterfront site by October because of scheduled waterfront construction. - The studio is inviting international cities, museums, cultural ministries and private patrons to submit interest. - The studio will host a public event at the sculpture site before the departure. - California singer and dancer Deja Solis, the artwork’s original model, will perform live with her band at that event.

The details: - The sculpture has a 23-foot-diameter base. - A custom mechanism allows the sculpture’s chest to expand and contract, simulating a rhythmic human breath. - The work is designed to create a sensory experience of safety, peace and connection for people nearby. - The ideal next location includes prominent public plazas, civic waterfronts, sculpture parks or innovative corporate headquarters. - The studio says the best host will need both spatial vision and logistical capability for a monumental installation. - Cochrane framed the work as public art meant to spark dialogue, healing and unity. - Cochrane linked the sculpture’s message to broader conversations about women’s safety and treatment that intensified during the #MeToo era.

Between the lines: - The search for a new home shows how temporary public art can become a global asset once a local site changes. - The public debate around the sculpture suggests its form and message have remained culturally polarizing even as its supporters view it as a symbol of empowerment. - The planned live event appears intended to reconnect the artwork with its original model and reinforce the artist’s message before the move.

What's next: - The studio will review expressions of interest from potential hosts around the world. - The sculpture is expected to be relocated by October. - The Bay Area event will give the public one last chance to experience the work before it departs San Francisco. - More information is available through the sculpture’s Instagram and the studio’s YouTube channel.

The bottom line: - “I Am” is leaving San Francisco, and the next city to host it will inherit a high-profile piece of public art with a built-in audience and a strong cultural backstory.