Many a tourist has left their heart in San Francisco, so of course there’s a Big Thing dedicated to love and romance right next to the Bay Bridge.
Created by lovers Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen in 2002 and measuring an un-bow-lievable 18 metres from tip to amorous tip, Cupid’s Span quickly surpassed the Golden Gate Bridge as the bay city’s most photographed landmark.
It’s common to see clusters of curious Korean tourists quivering with excitement as they pose in front of the monument. It’s said that anyone who touches the arrow will soon find their bow-loved – or at least some no-strings-attached fun.
Cupid’s massive tool was made from fibreglass and steel for an undisclosed cost – so I assume it was quite ex-span-sive. According to the artists, the tip of the projectile plunges into the fertile Californian soil to defunctionalise the weapon, positioning it as a symbol of peace and hope.
If you don’t understand Claes and Cass, then you need to stop being so arrow-minded!
Cupid is as Cupid does
A visit to Cupid’s Span elicits memories of a slightly smaller, yet no less beloved, bow and arrow set in another of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Lake Cathie. Yet those responsible want to point out theirs is no nock-off.
“Arriving at San Francisco airport, one is greeted with a recording by Mayor Willie Brown, which extols the city as a place with heart,” the artists explained after several critics claimed they’d missed the mark. “Countless songs and stories celebrate San Francisco as the realm of love.”
Yes, that might sound like a load of bullseye, but let’s go with it.
Sadly, Cupid’s arrow didn’t fly straight for me during my trip to San Fran, with my date with Yahoo programming wunderkind/Starbucks barista Devon failing to yield the lifelong love and companionship I yearn for.
Still, the clam chowder was delightful and the disco I attended in the Castro afterwards taught me several valuable life lessons that I’ll be discussing with my therapist for years.
