Public art is often treasured or loathed. It is created using a variety of mediums and is seen as murals, memorials, sculptures, monuments, or even outdoor performances. Public art is displayed in public settings either outdoor or in public buildings.(Doss 1). In the East stairwell of the Knight Library where the lobby meets the Special Collections and University Archives a public artwork titled “Development of the Arts” by the Runquist brothers is displayed. The figure includes a symbol of universal human aspiration, a tree, which is seen to create things of beauty. There are eight panels depicting different stages of art form. Starting with the earliest primitive period at the bottom, panel 1, all the way to the eight panels, a representation of the modern arts. On the western stairwell another public artwork by the Runquist brothers is on display. This second artwork is titled, “Development of the Sciences. Another figure of a tree is depicted but the meaning is a bit different. It represents humanity rising. Each panel in this display shows the different stages of humanity. With the earliest panel, panel 1, depicting the Stone Age and panel 8 depicting the modern period. The Runquist project was a collaboration of staff and students at the University of Oregon in attempt to generate dialogue about the murals and how they display the social norms of race and ethnicity that in the years they were created. The issues that were raised for me include issues of diversity, its appropriateness in terms of time, place, and manner, and the overall importance of public art. In, “Public art controversy: Cultural expression and civic debate” by Erika Doss the controversy of public art is discussed. Doss writes, “Conflicts over public art at the local level often persuade community leaders, elected officials, funding agencies, and artists themselves that public art is simply “too hot to handle.” But these heated debates also suggest that the American public… is keenly interested in cultural conversations about creative expression and civic national identity.” (Doss, 6). I find this statement to be true and that although Public Art is highly controversial at times it is deeply entrenched in American culture and throughout the American experience. My experience with the Runquist brother’s public art form was thought provoking. It made me deal with controversy head on. It also made me think outside box and look into the ideas and themes of the creators. Overall I had a positive experience with the public art form project. I was able to identify key themes within the artwork as well as identify old time views that date back to the 1930s.

 

Citation:

Doss, E. (2006, October). Public art controversy: Cultural expression and civic debate. Retrieved from http://www.americansforthearts.org/pdf/networks/pan/doss_controversy.pdf