Public art is a form of artistic expression that breaks free from the boundaries of traditional gallery and museum settings. It can range from monumental sculptures that adorn city squares to intricately painted murals on the sides of buildings. Regardless of where it is located, the most important element of public art is its ability to reach out and touch people in their everyday lives.
In the earliest days of public art, monumental sculptures were often created to commemorate famous figures or historical events. The iconic stone faces on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, for example, are a tribute to former presidents, while the Rodina Mat or Motherland statue in Ukraine is dedicated to those who served the country during World War II. Even today, many statues and monuments are considered public art because they tell a story that is meaningful to the community.
Other examples of public artwork include installations that encourage direct hands-on interaction. For instance, an architectural centerpiece in front of the Ontario Science Centre is a fountain and musical instrument (a hydraulophone) that allows people to produce sounds by blocking water jets to force them through sound-producing mechanisms. Similarly, the piece Face a l’eau by Salifou Lindou in Douala, Cameroon invites visitors to touch and interact with water using their bodies to create shadows and shapes on the surface of the pool.
Some artists use their public artwork to convey a message or spark conversation and social change. Street artist Invader, for example, has placed mosaics inspired by the classic video game Space Invaders in 79 cities across the globe. Whether intended to inspire the next generation of artists or encourage a specific action, public art has an exceptional capacity to break down barriers between people and foster a sense of inclusion and connection.
Unlike a painting or sculpture in a private collection, a public art installation must withstand the elements and be accessible to the general public. This can present unique challenges for both the artist and the curator, especially when it is a project with deep emotional or symbolic meaning. For example, in 2019, Jeff Koons unveiled a sculpture of a hand holding a bouquet of tulips to commemorate the victims of the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. However, the sculpture was widely criticized as being insensitive and inappropriate given the tragedy’s magnitude.
Public art is often commissioned by local government agencies to help build community pride and foster a sense of place. A percentage of funds from the construction or renovation of a particular building, for example, may be designated to commission a work of art. This approach can be beneficial for the community and the artists, as it provides a certain level of accountability that may not be possible with other types of funding. This includes a legal requirement to go through an official deaccession process if a public artwork is sold or removed from its original location. In addition, a public art installation is typically expected to last for 20-50 years and must adhere to rigorous standards for longevity.