Last Pages of Art in the Tenderloin and Statement

Jocelyn Khosla

Statement of Intent

Art in the Tenderloin

The Tenderloin is known for being the “bad part of town”. The people who live and work there are often those who have no other place to go. Primarily it houses low income residents and is notorious for drug use, prostitution and homelessness. Due to the rising tech industry in San Francisco, the Tenderloin has become even more isolated and forgotten by tourists and even people who have lived in San Francisco for many years.

Despite being so overlooked, the Tenderloin is one of the most diverse environments for arts and culture in the Bay Area. For my project, I wanted to examine and bring to light this exciting art scene of the Tenderloin. Aimed as being a guide for tourists to find new places, the book, Art in the Tenderloin, includes seven central sights including the The Luggage Store, The Tenderloin National Forest, Swim Gallery, a mural by Zio Zigler, Modernism Inc., Jessica Silverman Gallery, Tenderloin Museum and a map in the back to help travelers navigate their way. Amidst the colorful illustrations and descriptions of events and cultural icons of the neighborhood, Art in the Tenderloin guides newcomers to engage with the powerful spirit of the Tenderloin art scene while bringing the Tenderloin the attention it deserves.