STORY/MISSION

Togonon Gallery originally opened as the “Washington Square Gallery” in 1994 in the historic North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. The gallery started out in a 1,000 square-foot space primarily showcasing local artists. In January, 2006, the gallery expanded and relocated to a 3,000 sq. ft. space at 77 Geary, near Union Square in downtown San Francisco. The gallery presents 8-10 shows annually. National and international shows are presented 1-2 times per year. Togonon Gallery became a member of the San Francisco Art Dealers Association in 2003.

Togonon Gallery works with emerging and established artists from the San Francisco Bay Area and the West Coast, in all media. Many of our established artists were active in the major art movements of the twentieth century, including Abstract Expressionism, Minimalisim and the Bay area Figurative and Realist traditions. Their work as practitioners and teachers has paved the way for contemporary painters.

Our emerging artists investigate a myriad of themes inspired by contemporary American life. Individually, each of our artists explores subject matter of a universal resonance, filtered through the particular cultural lens of the West Coast and their personal experiences. Themes include the politics of living in a multicultural society, the point of intersection between the natural world and an industrialized society, experimentation with the process of creation and with a combination of mediums.

We recognize that the West coast is a confluence of cultural influences. The works of West Coast artists reveal tangible connections to other places and modes of thought, simultaneously paying tribute to American and worldwide influences, culture and geography. We are interested in new ways of looking at American art through cultural influences. We strive to challenge the contemporary definitions of art and to nurture artists whose work has the potential to contribute significantly to the historical art dialogue.

We envision Togonon Gallery as a dynamic exhibition space where both artists and the public discover the distinctive qualities inherent in West Coast art. Our passion is to present exhibitions and events that ignite discourse on contemporary life and will engage and expand the audience for the arts. We endeavor to keep energy alive for the arts.