Runquist Response

Runquist Mural Response

When viewing the murals located at Knight Library I had to take some time to really evaluate the piece of artwork to understand the beauty and meaning of it. I connected with the mural “Development of the Arts” best because I was able to understand the meaning of the artwork. When viewing this mural I was able to see the beauty in it and how the tree is symbolizing the tree of life. The roots show the different generations and the growth of what is created over time on earth. Each root is showing something new that has been able to be created and made into something beautiful over time on earth, which to me describes art.
Each section of the root identifies the diversity and change of the generations of art and what can be created by earth. “Todays public art diversity speaks to America’s diversity— and to the increasing number of Americans who want to see their cultural interests represented in the public sphere” (Monograph, 2). Public Art has many different meanings and values to Americans, and goes hand in hand with the diversity of individuals in our society. In the mural you can see the diversity of each section within the roots. The mural changes and improves and shows the diversity from generation to generation.
Public Art can be many different pieces and forms of artwork, and all individuals view these pieces of art differently which goes hand in hand with the “Development of the Arts” mural. “Public art includes sculptures, murals, memorials, monuments, civic gateways, pocket parks, play- grounds, and outdoor performances”(Monograph, 2). When viewing public art one individual may see it as worthy when another could see it as nothing. Public art can be many different things, however the way you interpret the artwork can change the entire piece of artwork. I have walked by the murals over 200 times in the library, however I never took the time to understand and take the time to sit, relax, and try to find out the true meaning of the mural. When viewing the both murals, I had a connection with one mural over another. Regardless of their similarity I connected and felt that I understood the mural to the best of my ability. Public art can have many different interpretations because of the diversity our society has. “Public art diversity speaks to America’s diversity— and to the increasing number of Americans who want to see their cultural interests represented in the public sphere”(Monograph, 2).
Before viewing the murals I would have never have taken the time to find out information on pieces of artwork that I see around campus. In a way this assignment fascinated me because I was able to take the time to appreciate the mural in a way I have never done before. Both of these murals have different meanings. In my opinion the “Development of the Sciences” mural represents humanity growing within the tree of life and the changes an individual goes through. I understand the meaning however my connection with the mural “Development of the Arts” is much stronger due to my beliefs and feelings. Overall I feel that this assignment was able to give me a deeper meaning of the different forms of art. I now have much more respect for the murals that are located at Knight Library as well as the background information that follows these murals. Public art must be appreciated for its values and message however in order to keep public art alive, our community must come together on the differences one may have on Art and appreciated the diversity of the artwork as well and the people that surround our communities.