New Art on Market Street Poster Series by Calixto Robles Honors the Legacy of Native Bay Area Ohlone Tribes with Vibrant Illustrations
Series of six new posters by Oaxacan artist Calixto Robles showcases the enduring strength and cultural heritage of the Ohlone people through powerful symbolism.
Image: 2024 Art on Market Street Poster Series by Calixto Robles
SAN FRANCISCO, September 24, 2024 – The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is thrilled to announce the third and penultimate installation of a vibrant new set of posters for the 2024 Art on Market Street poster series by indigenous Oaxacan artist Calixto Robles.
The series of six poster designs illustrated by Robles, titled; “Resilience,” “Magic,” “Sacred,” “Ceremony,” “Fire,” and “Unity,” will be displayed along Market Street between 7th and Steuart streets at 15 SFMTA transit shelters through November 2024. The poster designs are a tribute to the rich legacy of the Native Bay Area Ohlone tribes, featuring illustrations of powerful symbols that evoke peace, hope, love, resilience, compassion, unity, and resistance.
“Calixto Robles’ vibrant and colorful posters not only honors the heritage of the Ohlone people but serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and respect for our surroundings and for one another,” said Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs. “This poster series is an invitation to all who see it while they visit and travel along Market Street to engage with the urban environment and to reflect on the profound cultural heritage and contributions of the Bay Area’s Native communities.”
Robles, a printer, painter, and ceramicist, migrated to California in 1983 and has since dedicated his work to celebrating the joyous themes and traditional iconography of his Indigenous Mexican heritage. His latest project encourages respect for the earth and engagement in social justice through art.
“These images pay homage to the Bay Area Native people and are made with respect, light, and love,” said artist Calixto Robles in a statement.
Robles' poster series draws on deeply rooted cultural symbols to convey messages of strength and unity.
In “Resilience,” the Bear, a central figure, represents the resilience and strength of the Bay Area Native peoples.
In “Magic,” the Coyote, Hummingbird, and Eagle reference the Ohlone creation myth.
In “Sacred,” the Feather symbolizes the sacred power of nature and its blessings.
In “Unity,”, the depiction of Hands signifies coming together and mutual support among different tribal groups.
In “Ceremony,” the Abalone Shell serves as a reminder of the culture of healing and ceremony that continues to thrive today.
And in “Fire,”, one of the most sacred elements, inspires respect and veneration.
The posters that are part of the Art on Market Street poster series are designed to engage a broad audience, reaching those who might not typically visit galleries and museums by placing these compelling images in high-traffic pedestrian areas along San Francisco’s main throughfare.
The 2024 Art on Market Street Poster Series theme is devoted to the San Francisco Bay Area Native Peoples. In addition to Calixto Robles, other artists that have been featured in the 2024 series include Jesse Hernandez and Kirti Bassendine. The final poster series of 2024 by Marcelo Potosi will be installed in early December.
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About the Artist
Calixto Robles is an indigenous Oaxacan artist who has lived in California since 1983. His work spanning printing, painting, and ceramics is deeply rooted in the traditional iconography of his Indigenous Mexican heritage. Through his art, Robles encourages respect for the earth and promotes social justice, highlighting the enduring connections between native peoples and their ancestral lands. His work continues to inspire and educate, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual traditions of indigenous communities.
About the Art on Market Street Poster Series
The San Francisco Arts Commission has commissioned new artworks from artists on an annual basis since 1992 in partnership with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and Clear Channel. Now in its 31st year, the program has partnered with over 120 artists since its inception, commissioning over $1.2 million worth of art, showcasing a wide breadth of artistic styles, themes and topics centered around San Francisco. Up to four artists are commissioned annually by the Arts Commission to create a series of at least six unique works of art that responds to a theme specific to San Francisco. To learn more, visit sfartscommission.org/artonmarketstreet
About the San Francisco Arts Commission
The San Francisco Arts Commission is the City agency that champions the arts as essential to daily life by investing in a vibrant arts community, enlivening the urban environment and shaping innovative cultural policy. Our programs include: Civic Art Collection, Civic Design Review, Community Investments, Public Art, SFAC Galleries, and Art Vendor Licensing. To learn more, visit sfartscommission.org.