Giant Greta Thunberg mural going up in Union Square

The Greta Thunberg mural can be seen walking south on Mason Street just past Geary near Union Square. The Greta Thunberg mural can be seen walking south on Mason Street just past Geary near Union Square. Photo: Tessa McLean Photo: Tessa McLean Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Giant Greta Thunberg mural going up in Union Square 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

If you feel like climate activist Greta Thunberg has been dominating the media lately, she’ll soon be staring down at you on Mason Street near Union Square, too.

Created by the same artist who brought San Francisco its beloved Robin Williams mural (which has since been demolished), a large depiction of the 16-year-old activist is set to be completed next week.

Cobre, an artist from Argentina, is donating his time to complete the work. “Climate change is real,” Cobre said. “This girl Greta is awesome and she knows what she’s doing. I hope with this mural people will realize we have to take care of the world.”

Cobre had been searching for a building downtown for a new mural when he was approached by environmental non-profit One Atmosphere. The organization is supplying all the paint for the project, which is on the north side of the Native Sons building near Union Square.

Paul Scott, executive director of One Atmosphere, reached out to Cobre after he heard the Robin Williams mural was coming down. He said he thought the artist would be perfect to create the first in what he hopes will be several artistic depictions of climate change activists.

“Greta is having profound effects on the environmental movement right now,” Scott said. “We’re hoping [the mural] is going to touch people and that it will open up their hearts and minds to the unbridled conviction of Greta’s message.”



Scott said he wasn’t sure if Thunberg was yet aware of the mural.

The next piece of art isn’t planned yet, but Scott hopes they can find another building willing to host a painting.

“We’re hoping to have other building owners who like this idea and support our objectives and want to have something similar on their buildings,” Scott said. “We’d love to hear from them.”

Scott said they’re trying to complete the mural in the most environmentally conscious way possible, and will use the 133+ empty spray paint cans to make a sculpture.

The mural is expected to be completed by early next week. Scott said he is hoping to have a ceremony and dedication to complement the unveiling.

“[Thunberg] is a bright light in a dark time and we hope people will follow her lead and make some changes.”

Tessa McLean is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her at tessa.mclean@sfgate.com or follow her on Twitter @mcleantessa.