My sister and I were randomly driving around West Oakland, looking for the onramp to the freeway, when we encountered some truly stunning metal artwork in two different spots. The first was Alliance Recycling on Peralta Street (Google map) , which features several really neat metal sculptures on their storefront.
This junk metal C3PO is just incredible. I love the detail of it, which you can see in this close up of his head. He wasn't the only metal figure there, however.
Next to him is an equally impressive orangutang, with the grill of some ancient American car for a chest.
And above him is a neat frog clinging to the wall of the storefront. So cool!
Here's what the whole storefront looks like.
My sister and I were pleased as punch to discover this place. But our next find blew this one away.
A few minutes away, we were about to jump on the freeway, when I saw out of the corner of my eye what looked like two giant metal figures next to a warehouse. I frantically told Cori to turn around, and we drove in to encounter this...
A little research revealled that these several-story tall figures were created by artists Dan Daas Man and Karen Cusolito , although I am not quite sure if this piece was the one created for Burning Man or not. It definitely looks like something you would see at Burning Man, no?
Around the corner are two female figures that appear to be their "Passage" work, which was exhibited on the San Francisco waterfront for awhile. Now they stand lonely beside a warehouse, with no signage or other information. Check out the awesome detail on their faces!
Okay, Oakland, you continue to impress me.
Sadly, I don't recall the address of where these giant sculptures are. Post in the comments if you know. Definitely worth a trip to West Oakland to check them out!
