Public Art

In response to your blog Rob, I think to some extent mass art HAS ’shattered the aura’ (as he puts it). Although obviously not in all cases… I could be getting the wrong idea here of what Benjamin is talking about, but I think the majority of the public would probably look at a piece of public art and think ‘Oh, thats pretty’ and not necessarily think about the cultural value, how and why the piece of art was put there… Of course in most cases there is still that sense of awe and reverence – when one FIRST sees a piece of public art – because after that, does it just become ignored? After you’ve seen a piece of public art once, does it a) have the same effect on someone again and b) just become another part of the pavement/ get ignored?

Speaking of getting ignored reminds me of a piece of public art I stumbled across in Bath which I had always pretty much ignored until now (I was shopping! what can I say?…). But I think it combines the idea of literature and public art really well… in fact quite literally! I’ve tagged the website for you to look at, but basically as the website says:

“By increasing the pavement widths in Milsom Street, Bath, the council created a new space within the city. In celebration of the new space, the council’s ci:te project invited stone carver Alec Peever to create a lasting art work that would further enhance the street and the city. Alec worked with Alyson Hallett (a poet) and together they have given Bath a poetical pavement which draws on the city’s beginnings and future as a spa. Alec has hand carved Alyson’s poem with hammer and chisel into the paving, adding individual words at the edges of the site. Their powerful collaboration has given Bath a public work of art that is available to everyone, every day, at any time.”

Just thought that was interesting (and also very pretty!)

After our discussion during the seminar yesterday about public art, I’m vaguely considering writing my essay all about what IS public art, in the context of, does it have to be council funded etc? I’m basically going to explore the idea of whether things such as graffiti are public art? And if so, what makes SOME of it art and some of it not?

Thoughts people?

 Sarah