Best art in the Bay Area

While many of Amir Mortazavi’s favorite pieces are already displayed in his home, he often heads out into the city for a good art fix. Here are his favorite spots: Top three: “The Gagosian Gallery, Berggruen Gallery and the SFMoMA are the trifecta of heavyweights in the contemporary and modern art world in San Francisco. These three new spaces have made the city into an international destination for blockbuster art. I had the honor of working with Gagosian and their architects to build out their space and their furniture.” Minnesota Street Project: “This multiplex with galleries, artist studios and art services has helped consolidate and modernize the art experience in S.F. The recently opened Altman Siegel Gallery and Adrian Rosenfeld Galleries are aweinspiring volumes filled with emerging and established artists, respectively.” Oliver Ranch: “Steve and Nancy Oliver are true patrons of the art and ones who embrace the complexities of art installations in the idyllic setting of Sonoma County by some of the greatest artists of our times and even before. The Bruce Nauman steps, Ann Hamilton Tower, Martin Purveyar home and Richard Serra sculptures are impressive in their engineering and conceptual feats.” The Mission: “The many colorful side streets represent public art at its best, and are intrinsic to the neighborhood’s unique cultural identity. When I lived in there in the early naughts, I would make a point of touring visitors through Clarion Alley to check out the smorgasbord of murals from some of San Francisco’s best street artists, such as Andrew Schoultz.” Richard Serra: The artist’s work can be seen at the Gap Building and Pier 24: “You can combine a trip to see Richard Serra’s ‘Charlie Brown’ in the Gap headquarters with a visit to the two-dimensional photographic wonderland at Pier 24. Andy Pilara, who has the largest collection of photographs, has annual exhibits inviting other photographic collectors from the Bay Area in thematically curated exhibits.” The Presidio: “We love strolling through here on rainy or foggy days under the canopy of the forest to see the recycled land art of Andy Goldsworthy’s “Woodline” and “Spire.” It’s nature’s playground for kids, adults and canines.