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SAN FRANCISCO, January 9, 2026 – The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) and the Recreation and Park Department (RPD) are thrilled to announce the completed installation and unveiling of Reflection and Projection, a new permanent public artwork by visual artist Sanjay Vora, at the City’s new Herz Recreation Center.
Standing nearly eight feet tall and spanning almost ten feet wide, the new interactive artwork installation combines imagery from Vora’s studio practice with reflective mirrored stainless-steel tiles to create an open, ever-changing experience.
Inspired by his family’s dream of finding a welcoming, culturally diverse community, Reflection and Projection celebrates belonging, inclusion, and shared joy. Abstract, playful figures reflect viewers and their surroundings, inviting everyone to see themselves as part of a vibrant, collective narrative.
“Public art is about sparking connection, reflection, and community,” said Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs. “Sanjay Vora’s Reflection and Projection transforms Herz Recreation Center into not just a space for play and gathering, but also a place for self-recognition and shared experience.”
Fabricated in steel and porcelain enamel, the piece was designed to withstand daily interaction and harmonize with the welcoming spirit of Herz Recreation Center.
“This work honors the dream my parents carried when they came to this country, the search for a place that embraces diversity, creativity, and connection,” said artist Sanjay Vora. “By integrating reflective surfaces with painted imagery, I wanted to create a space where everyone could literally see themselves as part of the story of Herz Recreation Center, a story that is about belonging and joy.”
The artwork is part of the broader development of Herz Recreation Center, a community hub within John McLaren Park at Hahn Street and Sunnydale Avenue. Developed by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department in partnership with Mercy Housing and Related CA, the new facility features an indoor basketball court, multi-purpose spaces, and childcare services. Together with nearby Coffman Pool and Herz Playground, the center anchors “the Hub,” envisioned as an inclusive, family- and youth-focused resource for neighborhood residents and visitors.
“Sanjay’s piece complements our vision for Herz as a safe, welcoming, and modern community hub for the south side of San Francisco,” said Sarah Madland, SF Rec & Park Interim General Manager. “It captures the spirit of gathering and play that this neighborhood deserves, while reflecting the resilience and creativity of the community.”
The unveiling of Reflection and Projection marks the first public art commission for Sanjay Vora and continues SFAC’s commitment to investing in community-centered works that enliven the urban environment and the City’s parks and neighborhoods.
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