Example: on Twitter this past week, which is like a billion tweets ago in Twitter-time, an article on Leo Villareal's light art on the Bay Bridge and B.C. Biermann's App art was tweeted (http://t.co/HaGTRtYgd5). Also, SFMOMA's #FutureSFMOMA discussion on the redesigning of the museum was tweeted (http://t.co/1IHgUzxe36). All three happenings specifically note the importance of "public art" -- here is where business and politics enter the stage-- public art needs public and private money to make it happen. That is the breeding ground of the primordial political ooze we all so love and know so well.
25,000 LED lights are now strategically place above and along the outside bridge span. The concept, if I may paraphrase the author of the article, is the lights move randomly, blending in with the environment simulating impressions of the movement of clouds or the fall of rain. The lights don't spell out "ART" or something like that. There is an ethereal-ness to the whole project. And as I read my head kept bumping into this concept of public art. What is the purpose of public art? There is a purpose, right? Is there a difference between "art" and "public art?" And with Sequestration looming about, I want to know where my tax dollar is being spent. (Wow, when did that happen in this artist?). Self, I said aloud, is a 2 year long "light show" public art? Really?
So, as I do, I like to read the articles I choose to read, all the way through. I do this for good reason. As I perused deeper the author discusses B.C. Beirmann's App art and again relates this art as "public art." This App allows the user to view particular city locations, you know like a city block, buildings etc as if they were artistic renditions. That's the cleanest way to describe it, in my mind. Self, I said aloud, a program App that allows you to see the possibility of a dilapidated neighborhood turning spectacular, by using your phone or IPad, well I can see how that could assist the public and be art. Hmmmm, the brewing of a definition of what public art may be?
Internally, quite a battle ensued. Public art -- a light show on a bridge or a software program application? Technology has certainly entered the world of art. Really dizzying? Okay now stay with me because I am getting to the point. Just as I am struggling with these two totally opposite art expressions a tweet comes across from SFMOMA discussion where the curator Ruth Berson states the importance of environmentally sound design, specifically with lighting choices. And this is part of their" public art" consideration. I am sure you can see my dilemma. SFMOMA, wants low light, energy conservation, and equates directly to assisting in the public art experience. But Mr. Villareal is burning the electricity like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation....Sparky Likes!!! You might be saying aloud to yourself, Robin, you are being superficial. Am I? That is the analysis I am applying to Villareal. Is the pure emotional value, superficial and tantalizing, its basic reason for being, considered public art? I am trying to find the public side of this art. Is public then just art that is placed outside, or in areas where the masses flock? Is there no definition between art and public art? Does that mean the Monet on the wall at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is public art? If so, then all art is public art?
I do believe there is a distinction between art, and public art. So much so I am going on a road trip across the US to find out what public art is? I need your help. March 18, 2013 I left Sacramento on a three week trip to film, photograph, question folks about this very question. As I write now, I am just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. I am heading east along the I-80 with my destination of Boston, Massachusetts. I will then head south to Florida and come back across country to Los Angeles. I will be traveling about 600 miles a day. Here's where I need your help. If you know any great "art" along this path, I want to know about it and go explore it and discuss with all of you what ART and Community is really all about. Help me define Public Art.
Yesterday, the first day of my trip, as I drove through Nevada, I stopped at one amazing site. It was the Thunder Mountain Indian Monument. I am attaching the photographs so you can see. I believe it is a great starting point for our discussion on public art. Please share and post comments to my blog or to my Twitter account @FilmRobin. I look forward to hearing from you all.
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