Traveling anti-censorship sculptures land in SF

With the support of the Mexican Consulate, the anti-censorship Nuestros Silencios sculpture installation, comprised of 10 massive human figures with covered mouths standing 11 and a half feet tall and weighing roughly a ton apiece, was unveiled in San Francisco’s Harry Bridges Plaza Friday.

The installation is opening in conjunction with the weeklong “Mex-I-Am” cultural festival, but will remain in the plaza until October, according to the Port of San Francisco.

The giant, human-like statues with covered mouths are designed to encourage reflection on the importance of freedom of expression and the dangers of self-censorship.

The artist hopes the installation will prompt reflection about the importance of speaking out, according to the Mexican consulate.

After touring Europe from 2009 to 2011, the sculptures come to San Francisco following a recent installation at Ruocco Park at the Port of San Diego in January.

The 10 sculptures are made of bronze and have a white ochre patina. The eleventh piece of the installation is referred to as the Braille Box, which is made of iron and explains the installation though text as well as Braille, for those with visual disabilities.