OBJECTIVES OF: Public Art
- 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.
December 8, 2013
ORIGINAL POST: Development of Music Formats
This picture I drew is supposed to imitate the style of the “Development of the Arts and Sciences” Murals painted by Albert and Arthur Runquist.
REFLECTION:
After reviewing the class reading, Public Art Controversy by Erika Doss, reviewing the website for the Runquist brothers murals and completing the art project that drew off of the ideas from the murals I feel that I have a better understanding of the problems that public art is facing and the need we should have for it. It seems as though from the reading and mural website that it is often difficult to find places where people will accept historic art to be displayed. The reading stated that problems occur because “the interests and demands of one public may alienate another. But public art—like politics—is a collaborative exercise and depends on tolerance, compromise, and respect”(10). I feel that this is the aspect that that many people who discriminate against public art, lack. This also explains the course objective by telling why public funding is difficult to acquire for art. It is because people can’t agree if one piece is more appropriate than the other or if it should be allowed at all in the first place.
Although there are difficulties with the acceptance of art I have learned that there is a definite cultural value that embedded in historic public art. A sort of beauty that resides in the history and uniqueness of the works. Some times when these pieces display images irrelevant or inappropriate for current society the pieces are seen as unneeded. Buy I have found out that in order to create somewhat place of history and remembrance then art like the Runquist murals below are definitely needed. These murals, both show honor and insight to the roots of our American cultures and honor to U of O where the two Oregonian artists once attended.
IN THE FUTURE: I feel that our culture is growing in new directions that might steer away from the acceptance of historic public art. Mostly because our society tends to do away with things that are outdated, like historic homes and buildings. I hope pieces like the Runquist murals receive enough respect and funding to stay displayed. Unfortunately we Americans like new things and I am afraid that we will loose sight of important art such as public art and not be able to reflect back on historic events through art.