Public art engages with a world beyond galleries and museums. Whether it is a legally commissioned statue of a community leader in a town square or a guerrilla stencil spray-painted on a storefront window, this type of artwork reflects the ethos of a society in a way that is often difficult to translate through traditional means.
The definition of public art varies, but generally, it is intended to be accessible to the general population in easily accessible spaces such as parks, squares or streets. Public art differs from contemporary art displayed in galleries and museums, which is designed to be viewed by small audiences.
For centuries, the purpose of public art has been to memorialize significant events in history and to represent values that a society wishes to emphasize. These values may be as simple as patriotism or self-sacrifice in the face of adversity. In this context, public art can serve to encourage such virtues in others and foster a sense of shared identity.
As the global climate becomes increasingly interconnected, the role of art in addressing societal concerns is more important than ever. Across the globe, artists are rethinking what public art can mean. Some have created monumental sculptures that redefine cityscapes, while others have crafted installations that invite introspection and communal interaction. Whether it is reflecting the struggles of our past or sparking conversation about how we can live together more harmoniously, public art is a powerful medium for provoking discussion and encouraging action.
In addition to promoting reflection and interaction, many public artworks also inspire creativity in their viewers. By inspiring the public to create their own artistic interpretations, public art can expand the scope of what is possible within a culture.
While the concept of public art has evolved from its origins in the early modern era, the process remains the same: a city commissions an artist to create a piece that will be displayed in a park or another public space. The artist will then work with the local government to design a project that reflects the city’s identity and values.
Whether it is through painting, sculpture, or other media, the art must be durable enough to withstand a range of weather conditions and engage visitors at all times of day, from dawn to dusk. This durability is a critical aspect of public art and distinguishes it from other forms of contemporary art. Public art can be permanent or temporary; it can take the form of a building, site-specific installation or a museum exhibition. The work can be interactive or non-interactive, sonic or visual. It can even be discursive or digital. In the end, what matters is that the work inspires its viewers to think critically about their surroundings. This month in Edition Magazine, we celebrate the power of public art by profiling some of our favorite examples from around the world. Read about a community of artists and activists who are memorializing the thousands of New Yorkers who lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic; an art studio that is using theater to teach children about sustainability; and more.