PUBLIC ART

What is public art you ask?

The term “Public Art” means any work of art that is designed in the general public, easily viewed by the public. There can be many locations for these works, such as walls, inside windows, statues, sculptures. 

Another way to look at the term public art is those pieces that are now spending their time in storage or hanging in buildings. These artworks that were funded by public funds, or have been donated, or publicly displayed at one time.

Different types of public art are seen all around the world.

The most well known that are still present are mostly statues, some of religious meaning, political works, and architectural sculptures. Those were the most common in previous time frames and the forms of media are now growing. You can now see many murals made of paint, ceramics, plastic made sculptures, glass, or stained glass.

The History through out the Years

The original origin for public art derives from Greek cities. The Greeks were first in creating pieces derived from religion, and social art.

These pieces were mainly sculptures and viewed by large public groups. A large example would be the Parthenon (c. 447-422 BCE) located on the Acropolis in Athens. Many of the first works derived from propaganda leaning towards pagan and later Christian religion. The Roman churches created the Ravenna Mosaics. 

Some mediums more frequently seen during this time were religious statues, altar pieces, paintings, mosaics, monumental buildings, as well as relief sculptures.

Examples:

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe

(Ravenna Mosaics)

Parthenon in Athens 

Propaganda:

prop·a·gan·da 1. information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

During the 17th century some of the last religious influenced propaganda was made. The Catholic Church hoped to regain majesty and authority during the Reformation. There were several styles brought during this time. These being Baroque art in the architecture. The form of Biblical art in sculptures. The last one being paintings used to communicate to the church attendees across Europe.

St Peter's Basilica Rome Ecstasy of Theresa - Bernini The Massacre of the Innocents - Rubens

Onto the 18th and 19th century, public art took a bit of a turn. With the reduction of patronage by the Catholic Church, commissions were mainly through royalty and wealth. During this time period urban architecture was flourished. Many we now know today were created. In America public art masterpieces were made such as the Capitol Building, Smithsonian Institute, the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour, (1886), St Patrick’s Cathedral New York (1858-79) During this time in European public art structures were also being made such as the Neo-Classical National Gallery London, Paris Opera House, (1860-75) Neo-Gothic UK Houses of Parliament, (1839-52) and the Eiffel Tower. (1887-89)

In Mexico in the 1920’s and 1930’s artists helped create the Mexican Murals Movement. During this time, public buildings were painted with large scale paintings known as fresco painting. Most of these pieces had political messages behind them. Some artists that were well known during this movement were Diego Rivera (1886-1957) Jose Clemente Orozco, (1883-1949) David Alfaro Siquerios, (1896-1974).

                    The Epic of American Civilization -Jose Clemente Orozco

                                Diego Rivera’s  mural for Rockefeller Center

Different Uses of Political Art Today

When political art is present in today’s society is mainly in the form of protesting in public spaces also known as campaign art. Many individuals rights have been taken, voices have been silenced, injustice is everywhere, murder is present, crimes have risen, and there are many individuals who are angry with the ways we have fallen into. Political protests and art are present throughout all of the wo

rld. Photography has been are large tool used by social media to give individuals voices, and spread awareness.

Conclusion:

Throughout the research that has been done during this project, I have learned to view art in a different perspective. Those murals I see on an everyday bases surrounding where I live, typically hold a deeper value. These are expressing significant issues that are present through our daily lives. The sculptures that remain on this earth will remain longer than I will. Public art has the opportunity to present itself to individuals for generations. We are capable of making a mark on this earth that can resound for years to come. As for politics through art, I have grasped a better understanding of how individuals were feeling when creating art in times of their stress, and unforeseen future. Next time you pass something whether it be in a car or walking, take just a second longer to really look.