Public Art class 1

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Week 1 (Jan. 29)

introduction to the class, assignments, readings, instructor


Class is concerned with:

  • Critique of existing public art, monuments, commemorative works
  • Response to above

problematize, rectify omissions

  • Creating an original contribution that takes into account what has been done but is not just a response to other art, rather a response to a contemporary idea, condition, or issue
  • examining the changing definition of public art, its populist tendencies,

Ideas about public art interact with larger ideas about the public sphere:

  • civic participation,
  • living in increasingly dense concentrations
  • our interaction with the environment
  • issues like surveillance that impinge upon our use of public space
  • the increasing privatization of public space

What is THE PUBLIC? Our modern meaning originates in the Enlightenment (age of reason) (17th & 18th C) Emphasis on reason, downplaying of faith, tradition., which used art & architecture as “shock and awe” – way to instruct a non-literate population Challenged established political systems, elevated the importance of ideas and consequently of the common man (since importance by heredity was challenged) US revolution, French revolution People became more than just “the faithful” or “the serfs” Concept of the public changed in the US – where people were required to be more self sufficient – saw themselves as settlers, pioneers, emphasis on self-reliance Free of European traditions and culture

Public & Culture Great depression changed our sense of self – forced people to rely on one another – increased the role of gov’t In the wake of wwII affluence, with many Americans having been exposed to European culture first hand, the gov’t took on the role of cultural supporter (NEA created in 1965) now greatly weakened by political backlash 1989, 1990, ironically were good years for loosening up in Europe, brought the beginning of hard times for the NEA – Christian conservatives challenged grants to individuals (Andres Serrano – Piss Christ) 1994 Newt Gingrich – renewed attack on NEA 29.95 - https://vimeo.com/18587448 defines gallery art, especially video sold in limited editions, as exclusionary, draws a line between private and public using new technologies (not only video, but also distribution on line)

for next week: find a theorist, artist or philosopher who conceives of the public in a particular way that resonates with you/your work and bring it in for

  • Excursion - find the piece you will work with in Asn. 1 - Modification

Discussion of Asn. 1.

Reading for next week:

  • Public Art, Ch. 2 and Preface;
  • PublicSculptor LoradoTaftandtheBeautificationofChicagoBYGarvey;
  • Evictions: Art and Spatial Politics, pp 3-48

links

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