Public art is designed for public viewing and interaction. It is usually located in a public area that is accessible to the general population. Its purpose is to promote the community and is generally not a traveling exhibit. Unlike private art, it remains rooted in a certain place. There are many types of public artwork available. Here are some of the most common types of public art. Some are functional, while others are simply for aesthetic or historical purposes.
A large percentage of public artworks are digital and can include computer-generated imagery or video projected directly onto a building’s surface. Some artists use light mapping technology to tailor projections to specific architectural features. The Gertrude Street Projection Festival in London features a large collection of digital projection artworks that animate spaces within public view. Nick Azidis transforms a high-rise block of flats with antique illustrations. The art is installed on top of a private building, which can also be a security risk.
A recent public art example is Chicago Picasso’s “Bugs” mural in Chicago. Another example is a tapestry copy of Picasso’s oil painting Guernica in New York City. A long-term social programming project is a form of public art that requires a different type of effort than a one-time washing and waxing. It is not always obvious how to incorporate a piece of public artwork into a community.
Another popular form of public art is digital. These pieces can be video played on an outdoor screen or computer-generated images projected directly onto a building’s surface. Light mapping allows for specific projections to respond to architectural features. There are festivals dedicated to digital projection artworks in public space. For example, the Nick Azidis mural in Melbourne transforms a high-rise block of flats with antique illustrations. The Gertrude Street Projection Festival aims to highlight innovative digital projection art installations in the city.
The majority of public art in cities is exhibited outdoors. Environmental factors should be considered before placing a work in a public space. The outdoor location should be safe from vandalism. If it is not, the piece may be affixed to a building that is private. A mural may also need to be protected from the elements. In the case of a sculpture, the owner is responsible for the maintenance and repairs. In addition to its artistic value, the installation must be attractive for the community.
Public art has a long history. It has been around for thousands of years. The ancient Greek and Roman civilizations were highly developed societies, so public art was important for both political and economic development. For example, sculptures in these societies were essential to the people. These statues communicated their leader’s attributes and reinforced his power, while the modern-day monuments of famous leaders and their cities are still visible. If you are looking for a public art, you can look for it anywhere.