The Only Door I Can Open

Exhibitions

Nicky Nodjoumi & Nahid Hagigat

Presented by YBCA

The exhibitions “Nicky Nodjoumi: The Personal is Political” and “Nahid Hagigat: Etched in Time” tell the story of a family of artists shaped by revolution. 

Exhibitions

The Only Door I Can Open

Presented by YBCA & Empowerment Avenue

Curated from within prison, this exhibition explores truths about women and incarceration.

Performances

Siriya Ensemble and Sheenubb: A Journey Through Iran’s Soulful Southern Rhythms

Presented by Farhang Foundation & YBCA

This one-night-only performance invites audiences to connect with the heart of southern Iranian culture while witnessing a groundbreaking reinterpretation of its rich musical traditions.

Workshops

Blue Bear’s DJ Popup

Presented by Blue Bear School of Music

A fun, hands-on DJ workshop.

Workshops

Blue Bear’s Little Bear’s Popup

Presented by Blue Bear School of Music

A pop up music program for infants and toddlers hosted by Blue Bear School at YBCA.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Music-Inspired Watercolor Painting

Presented by YBCA

Create a watercolor painting inspired by music. Learn watercolor techniques such as applying wet-on-wet brush marks, creating streaks, masking, and mixing colors.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Shape Stamps

Presented by YBCA

Learn how to make your own stamps using fun and meaningful shapes.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Postcard Paintings

Presented by YBCA

Make a postcard painting inspired by artist Sarah Montoya’s work from the exhibition, The Only Door I Can Open.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Healing Garden Tunnel Book

Presented by YBCA

Learn how to make an accordion book, inspired by Elizabeth Lozano’s painting in The Only Door I Can Open.

Screenings & Films

A Revolution on Canvas

Presented by YBCA

A hybrid political thriller and verité portrait documentary, A Revolution on Canvas examines the international controversy of Nicky Nodjoumi’s 120 missing artworks in Iran.

Workshops

Free Art Workshop: Watercolor Dreamscape

Create a dreamscape watercolor painting, inspired by Cedar Annenkovna’s mural from the exhibit The Only Door I Can Open.

Dance

Dance Downtown

Presented by ODC/Dance

ODC/Dance returns with an exhilarating program of captivating works.

Dance

Dance Series 2

Presented by Smuin Contemporary Ballet

New premieres and old favorites define Dance Series 2.

Public Art

Woman, Life, Freedom

Taravat Talepasand

In recognition of this movement to recognize women’s rights, Iranian-American artist Taravat Talepasand developed this neon sculpture, featuring the phrase in both English and Farsi.

Public Art

SoMa Mahal Kita (SoMa I Love You)

Ciriaco Sayoc

A message of love for the SoMa neighborhood and community, inspired by weaving practices in the Phillipines and the colors of the Filipino flag.

Public Art

What is Legacy Without Liberation?

Malaya Tuyay

This mural is an altar offered to the SoMa community that invites passerby to honor their loved ones who have passed while commemorating community stories.

Public Art

When We Weave Waves

Michael Arcega

Patterns from Philippine textiles are cut from transparent vinyl and layered on YBCA’s glass passageway along Mission Street.

Public Art

Ceasefire Now!

Jeffrey Cheung

A public artwork meant to inspire a sense of communal solidarity.

Public Art

We fly for a liberated we, we rooted in flight

Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo

A public artwork inviting passerbyers to join in the journey of collective flight

Public Art

Hyakki Yagho, Night Parade of One Hundred Demons – One Million Years of Journey with Ruby Red Fox and Their Company

Masako Miki

This work takes inspiration from Japanese folklore and asks viewers to pause and reflect on the provocative narrative and their connection to it.

Public Art

Let’s Build from Here

Innosanto Nagara

A site-specific public artwork highlighting the power of collaborative future-building.

Public Art

Excelsior Street Furniture Pilot

Street Furniture Designed by San Francisco Students

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Public Art

Peace in the Middle East

Taravat Talepasand

This work refers to the translation of the word “peace” in Farsi “صلح” sculpted with neon.

Public Art

Statement marquee from Escuela de Arte Útil (School of Useful Art)

Tania Bruguera

YBCA continues to activate the marquee with timely and responsive messages generated from artists and community partners.

Public Art

love @ first line

Anna Sergeeva

A new site-specific public artwork by Anna Sergeeva featuring the first lines of love poems.

Public Art

Dream

Ana Teresa Fernández

A public art installation commissioned by YBCA and co-sponsored by San Francisco Public Works.