Peter Saul's "San Francisco" series, exhibited at Berggruen Gallery in collaboration with Venus Over Manhattan, New York, presents a collection of works by the American artist, showcasing his vibrant and often chaotic vision of American culture through the lens of his hometown. This exhibition, marking Saul's first collaboration with the gallery, was on view from January 13 through February 26, 2022, with an extension through March 5, 2022. Born and raised in San Francisco, Saul's art frequently features the city, reflecting its physical and cultural landscape across a span of 30 years from 1966 to 1996. The collection includes five monumental paintings, four works on board, and two related prints, illustrating Saul's stylistic evolution and San Francisco's transformation​ (Berggruen)​.

Saul's San Francisco series weaves together various elements of the city's unique geography and its socio-political atmosphere, employing bold colors, elongated perspectives, and a cartoon aesthetic. The series revisits San Francisco not just as a geographic locale but as a cultural and artistic hub, reflecting on the city's influence on Saul's work and its broader recognition within the art community. Through his art, Saul captures the city's essence, from its iconic landscapes to its role as a center for counter-culture, using humor and exaggeration to critique and celebrate urban life​ (Berggruen)​​ (Juxtapoz Magazine - Home)​.

Saul's works, such as "View of San Francisco" (1979), "San Francisco" (1986), and others, mix Abstract Expressionism with the dramatic history of the city's earthquakes, creating a juxtaposition that blends art history with natural disaster in a way that is uniquely humorous and critical. These pieces serve not only as visual spectacles but also as commentaries on the lack of humor he perceives in modern art, alongside reflections on social issues and cultural shifts. Saul’s approach to the San Francisco series exemplifies his tendency to infuse his pieces with satirical elements, addressing topics like race, gender, and socioeconomic inequality through exaggerated, caricatured forms​ (Berggruen)​.

This series stands as a significant chapter in Saul’s oeuvre, encapsulating his lifelong engagement with his birthplace both as a source of inspiration and as a subject of critique. It highlights Saul's role as a pioneering figure in American art, demonstrating his ability to merge personal narrative with broader cultural and political themes, all while maintaining a distinct, irreverent style that challenges conventional aesthetics and narratives.