Artifact 9: Runquist Response
Learning Unit Objectives
- Learn about public funding for the Arts.
- Examine public art’s role in capturing history and place-making.
- Explore the relationship of cultural values to civic dialogue, beautification and identity.
Original Post
At the first glance, I liked these two murals. They are beautiful and different with a narrative of the major human periods. One is the history of art, and the other is history of science, which displays a certain kind of beauty of symmetry. The very interesting element in the murals, in my mind, is the tree. It spreads out, divides and also connects every historic period. It can be seen as an indication of human growth, even if this might not the creators’ original intention. The image in every panel of the murals concludes general characteristics of each major historic period. I also like that the artists display those panels quite straightforwardly. It displays a continuous development and advancement of human history overtime. 
However, after a personal visit in the library, I find there are some controversial points portrayed in these murals. The first thing is that you will find the lack of diversity if you take a closer look. The gender is an issue. Only a very few women were represented in the painting. And there are no females at the top panels. The diversity of races is also up for debate. It seems only white men were portrayed. All these are not a good representation and capture of whole human history of arts and science. In my opinion, it shows some unacceptable notions, such as inequality. I think this is the main reason why it invokes so many controversial issues. Moreover, it may not be fully able to display the overall human growth, since it does not imply any innovations process. Humans’ learning process is omitted. As Doss sated, public art “is as diverse as the people who view it” (Doss, 1). In this aspect, it may not be fully demonstrate the things public arts are supposed to.
What if we think standing from a different angle, maybe this piece is just a good reminder for the public that we should overcome inequality and improve the diversity of our community. I do believe this is one of characteristics the public arts should possess. As public arts, it should pass over some meaning to the society. And these murals in library, in some senses, are carrying some positivity. Doss claimed that, “It’s difficult to imagine any kind of contemporary public art that might adequately address the multifaceted interests of today’s diverse America” (Doss, 5). Not everyone will love a piece at the same time. I believe most people can learn something from the murals. The website provided in the course blog is very helpful to understand the background and history of the Runquist murals. I am excited to know they were from the alumni of University of Oregon. It demonstrates the history of University of Oregon as a successful entity. Therefore, in effect, the murals show relevance to the people and public.
In the reading, Doss mentioned, public art “can lead to a larger examination and questioning of assumptions, ideas and concepts” (Doss, 6). I completely agree and the murals in the library have the function. It can stimulate profound and constructive discussion (or debate) in our society and help us figure out the promotion and progress we need to develop in near future by the examination and evaluation of our historic artistic expression. Even if there are many controversies around the murals (in fact any public art would cause controversy), “the dynamics surrounding public art reveal an ongoing American commitment to meaningful conversations, which are the cornerstones of an active democratic culture” (Doss, 1).
So overall, I do appreciate what the murals bring to me, to people. It raises conversations and debate. However, whether or not it was an original intention from the artists, it expresses some issues and gives us some thinking about how to make social progress and how to develop culture diversity. Thus, I don’t think it should be removed from where they are right now.
Reflection
I loved this unit’s learning. I got a good chance to examine and analyze arts near me by a personal visit in the library. The murals were designed by UO alumni and this made me feel more interested by this week’s topic. By reading the article written by Doss, I understand the controversies public art would usually bring. And the murals simply give a clear example. The personal observation revealed some unacceptable notions displayed in the murals. This made me realize the reason why it is up for debate in the first place: public art should be “as diverse as the people who view it” (Doss, 1) . This experience helped me examine public art’s role in capturing history and place-making.
Moreover, the controversy and debate surrounding the murals show “the dynamics surrounding public art reveal an ongoing American commitment to meaningful conversations, which are the cornerstones of an active democratic culture” (Doss, 1), which helped me explore the relationship of cultural values to civic dialogue.
The whole process also helps me have a idea on how issues of diversity, i.e. ethnicity, gender, age, cultural heritage are displayed through artistic expression.
Future Intention
I think one of the most important things this unit taught me is how to examine public arts and culture values. More importantly, I learned how to analyze a artifact in many different aspects. I would like to see more controversial public arts and to apply what I learned from this unit along with appreciating the piece. I will be able to know more issues related to public arts and get more ideas about artistic expression exhibited in artists’ works. In addition, even if I think the murals display a lot of problems, such as inequality, and are lack of social diversity, I got more comprehensive understanding after reading the article: some issues and controversies brought by the murals could be good dynamic for our community to progress. I think I will bring the objective and fair attitude in my future life and career. Sometimes, a little different angle could make the whole be seen in a largely different way.
Bibliography
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