EVOLVED SF CULTIVATES THE CITY & GIVES RISE TO SPACE

It's no secret: I fuck with street art, and I have always had a penchant for graffiti imbued with personal history and a sense of heritage. In addition, It was around two years ago I finally got the opportunity to demonstrate my fondness for street art firsthand when two mutual friends decided to invite me to their photography exhibition at Evolved SF, which is located in the heart of the San Francisco Mission district. It should be noted. It was there I grew to be captivated by Evolved SF's prodigious space. Importantly, due to the liveliness and dynamism that many San Francisco natives display at their events. In particular, as a result of Evolved SF's owners Thalia and Fernando's larger-than-life exhibitions, the gallery is rooted in the past, with a freshness and vibrancy that is thoroughly contemporary. Layering ephemeral imagery from collected photographs with pops of saturated color, a particular pattern, and floral motifs, their resulting works are unmistakably San Francisco.

Undoubtedly, Evolved SF gallery provides an insight into the history of San Francisco. And while no gallery can claim to offer a complete picture, the lessons we can learn from Evolved SF's past events, wonders, and memories are priceless. In particular, through its recent events, Evolved SF has helped bring communities together. This is primarily due to the power art galleries have to create unity on both a social and political level and a local one. Evolved SF has provided a sense of community and place by celebrating a collective group of folks, offering a great way to get to know the city's history. Apart from this, we know taking a stand often means art galleries expose themselves to criticism from those who disagree with their exhibits.

And in some cases, criticism can boil over into something much worse. For a stark example of this, we need only to look around at the changes in the Mission. That has made it hard for San Francisco natives to start their businesses. But indeed, the changes in the Mission only serve to highlight the importance of art galleries like Evolved SF.

Nevertheless, having idolized their work for so long, it's safe to say I was enraptured when Evolved SF agreed to speak with me about their store. Without a doubt, this interview is robust. Thalia and Fernando were thrilled to share their story with me in all of its glorious detail, and there are so many beautiful takeaways. First, we discussed Evolved SF's evolution (from their first exhibit and origins to their transition from utilizing open spaces to their new store in the Mission and bringing back their shows again), their collaboration process, and how their subject matter inspires them. We went on to talk about everything from the artist residencies that have impacted their practice, what their art community means to them, and their thoughts on creativity and growing up in San Francisco, to their advice for emerging artists, why their in the heart of the city, and what they're working on currently. For all of this, plus some of Evolved SF's favorite artists, the inside scoop on what's next for them, and of course, plenty of pictures of Evolved SF's beautiful work.

Catch the entire interview with Evolved SF below. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Firstly, can you tell us where you're from?

Were both born and raised in San Francisco, California.

Secondly, we see a lot of people working and creating through COVID-19. As far as health and working, how are you doing?  

We've been good. We have our art installation curated by Mission Art And Comic Expo tonight, July 31st, from 3-8 pm. This installation features over 60 artists in an art show focused on POC and LGBTQ voices.

Thirdly, when did you start Evolved SF?

We created Evolved SF in 2017, doing pop-ups at local parks here in the Mission. And we eventually opened the shop here in 2018 and had our first event, in which we hosted a pizza party with all-you-can-eat pizza with special guest appearances by Mo Gamin.

Finally, how did you get into art?

I was always into doing something creative significantly growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Furthermore, I currently do graphic designing and screen printing the t-shirts and sweaters you see hanging up right there.