Public art is a type of artistic creation, or “work of public art” as it’s also called. It can be a single piece or a collection of works, and it can be a standalone work or a hybrid of several different types of artwork. It can also be an installation or an outdoor sculpture. In addition to being aesthetically appealing, the work can also serve a functional purpose. Some examples of public artwork are murals, outdoor sculptures, and interactive play sculptures.
The most famous piece of public art is the Mission leopard, painted on a water source tank in Haryana, India. The mission of this artwork was to raise awareness about environmental conservation and coexistence. It can be seen for miles, and is also a musical instrument. Steve Mann’s design has become one of the most iconic works of public art in the world, and is one of the most popular in the world. In addition to displaying beautiful artwork, this work has many other uses.
Public art is often a long-term project, which means the artist has to consider the community’s future. This type of art, which may last a few years or even decades, requires much more maintenance than a one-time painting or a mosaic. A mural, for example, is likely to be destroyed by vandals in 25 years, so muralistes must be sure to plan for its longevity and sustainability. Further, there are several benefits to this type of public art, and they’re worth considering for your own community.
In addition to traditional public art, contemporary public art can be interactive, with sound, video, and light components. The Ontario Science Centre fountain, for example, is designed like a musical instrument, with jets of water forcing the water through mechanisms that create sounds. Then there’s Jim Pallas’ Century of Light, an enormous outdoor mandala of lights that was destroyed a few years later. A new interactive installation by Maurizio Bolognini can be controlled by a cell phone.
Some examples of public art include commemorative monuments, architectural sculpture, and pure sculpture. The National Gallery of London’s spire is one example of European public art. The Houses of Parliament in the UK are notable examples of this style, as is the Paris Opera House. Other popular examples of public artwork include the Eiffel Tower and Chicago Picasso’s Spire. Throughout the world, public art is everywhere, and it is important to appreciate it.
Today, public art is free and available to the public in places where it can be enjoyed by the general population. There are many different disciplines in visual arts, including sculpture, mosaics, and murals. Other disciplines, such as video art, include projection mapping and vinyl wraps. In the past, public art was limited to commemorating secular heroes, like Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square in London. In recent decades, however, public art has expanded into a broad range of forms.