Fun sculptures debut at San Diego waterfront park!

Children delight in a fun work of art unveiled today on San Diego's beautiful waterfront!
Children delight in a fun work of art unveiled today on San Diego’s beautiful waterfront!

Three super fun sculptures made their debut this morning on San Diego’s waterfront! They’re located in the wonderful, huge one-year-old park that surrounds the County Administration Building. Created by world-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the pieces are on long term loan from the Niki Charitable Art Foundation to the County of San Diego.

Niki de Saint Phalle, born in France in 1930, loved San Diego and adopted it as her own. Several of her imaginative works can be seen around the city. In the past I’ve blogged about a few of her pieces. Here and here.

As someone said during today’s opening ceremony, Niki would love the idea of children romping on her playful sculptures. She believed that art should not be segregated from everyday life. Public art was very important to Niki.

San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts introduces those responsible for some great new public art.
San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts introduces those responsible for the installation of great new public art.
Ron Roberts and the great granddaughter of renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle reveal a sculpture titled 19 Baseball Player.
Ron Roberts and the great granddaughter of renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle reveal a sculpture titled #19 Baseball Player.
It's Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre! The sculpture was unveiled the day after Tony would've turned 55 years old.
It’s Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre! The sculpture was unveiled the day after Tony would’ve turned 55 years old.
San Diego's beloved baseball legend Tony Gwynn holds a bat and faces a very large pitching mound (with slides)!
San Diego’s beloved baseball legend Tony Gwynn holds a bat and faces a very large pitching mound (with fun slides)!
Another very cool sculpture draws a crowd for its public debut at the San Diego County Administration Center.
Another very cool sculpture draws a crowd during its public debut at the San Diego County Administration Center.
Niki de Saint Phalle's 1999 Cat is made of fiberglass, resin, steel armature, ceramic tiles, tumbled stones, stained and mirrored glass.
Niki de Saint Phalle’s 1999 Cat is made of fiberglass, resin, steel armature, ceramic tiles, tumbled stones, stained and mirrored glass.
Kids play on a newly installed fat hollow Cat. The interactive sculpture sits next to the playground in San Diego's super cool, one-year-old waterfront park!
Kids play on a newly installed fat hollow Cat. The interactive sculpture sits next to the playground in San Diego’s super popular, one-year-old waterfront park!
Look at this! It's the colorful Serpent Tree! Rising like a huge multi-headed Hydra on the north side of the park, it's hard to miss!
Look at this! It’s the colorful Serpent Tree! Rising like a huge multi-headed Hydra on the north side of the park, it’s hard to miss!
Another fun addition to San Diego's already awesome Embarcadero. Lots of people are certain to enjoy these fantastic sculptures!
Another fun addition to San Diego’s already awesome Embarcadero. Lots of people will enjoy these fantastic sculptures!

UPDATE!

I was walking past Waterfront Park in 2018 when I suddenly noticed the cat sculpture had been replaced with a seal! When I spoke to a security guy, he said someone fell madly in love with Cat and purchased it!

Here are photos of the fun replacement sculpture, Large Seal (element of Seals), 1999…

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Published by

Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

13 thoughts on “Fun sculptures debut at San Diego waterfront park!”

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