Public art is art that has been placed in public places by artists and is free to view by anyone. Most public art is created in response to a local community and is thus rooted in its environment. Unlike private works, however, public art does not go on a traveling exhibition. The purpose of public art is to engage the local community in a meaningful way, so it is important to carefully consider the location of public art.
Public art can be a great way to improve a neighborhood, spark community pride, and increase the quality of life for local residents. Often, these projects are commissioned by a municipal agency and involve input from local communities as well as artists. This approach is often successful when there is a mutual commitment between artists and community members.
In addition to public art, public space may include long-term social programming. The community can participate in projects such as collecting rainwater, harvesting local crops, or other community activities. These types of projects require different maintenance from routine washing and waxing. Moreover, they may not be easily recognizable by passersby.
Public art projects may involve many people and may take many years to produce. The process may involve a local artist team, architects, designers, and politicians. They may also involve the community, local arts agencies, and construction teams. Unlike private collections, public artwork is not available for purchase. The public art that is on display in a public space is protected by the community that commissioned it.
Public art is often interactive and encourages hands-on interaction. The interactive public art may include light, video, or sound components. One example is the fountain at the Ontario Science Centre, which is designed to act as a musical instrument. By blocking or forcing water through the various mechanisms, people can produce sounds. Another example is Jim Pallas’ Century of Light, an outdoor mandala of lights that reacts to sounds and movement.
Another great example of public art is the Statue of Liberty. This structure is one of the most iconic structures in the world. Its design is inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It is often considered the best piece of public art in the world. In fact, it has been considered the most famous work of public art in the world by some experts.
Public art in public places has diversified over the past century. Its purpose and form have been widened due to political and social developments. Some artists have used the art to promote their political views and ideologies. In 1927, the Soviet Union’s Joseph Stalin initiated the Socialist Realism art movement, a movement that glorified the Communist regime. This movement lasted for a decade. But as of this writing, public art has a social and political dimension that transcends the boundaries of a museum.
Public art is not only beautiful; it also inspires viewers to think about nature and their relationship to it.