Look for an intriguing temporary art exhibit about free speech starting tomorrow and running through Oct. 15th on the north end of Harry Bridges Plaza, the traffic median on The Embarcadero in front of the Ferry Building.

The Port of San Francisco approved the installation Nuestros Silencios (Our Silences) by the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco and Mexican-born Jose Rivelino Moreno Valle (“Rivelino”), granting a license fee waiver in order to bring the work to the public. The piece has been installed in several other cities in Europe, Mexico and the United States, including in San Diego in January. (Here's a YouTube video of the San Diego installation).

Graphic: Port of San Francisco

Nuestros Silencios features 10 anthropomorphic bronze human figures that are eleven-and-a-half feet tall and weigh roughly a ton each. According to the artist's website, they're made with a lost wax bronze technique and white ochre patina. The eleventh piece is called the Touch Box, a cubic sculpture made of iron containing four small format pieces based upon the monument figures specially created for people with visual disabilities. 

According to Port documents, the work delivers a message about freedom of expression. Each sculpture has a metal plate covering its mouth as an allusion to censorship, and the artist hopes the installation will prompt reflection about the importance of speaking out. This installation is planned to coincide with the Mex I Am festival showcasing performing arts, culture, and ideas from Mexico. Events will be held at the Mexican Museum in Fort Mason and Yerba Buena Gardens Museum from July 19th–26th.