Public art is artwork created for the general public, usually displayed in open areas such as city parks and squares. Public art often takes the form of sculptures, murals, and paintings. It can also include interactive installations, video art, and public architecture. Public art is typically commissioned and designed by artists, architects, landscape designers, planners, and civic leaders with the help of community members.
Unlike traditional fine art that is typically found in private galleries and museums, public art is created to be visible and accessible to everyone. Public artworks are created in response to the local environment and culture. They are primarily located outdoors, and they are meant to last for generations.
Some artists dedicate their lives to creating public art, either by commission or on their own initiative. The Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland spent over 20 years building his massive Vigeland Sculpture Park. The street artist Banksy is another example of an artist who has dedicated his life to creating public works.
In addition to being aesthetically appealing, public art can have a wide range of benefits. It can boost a town or city’s tourism, encouraging visitors to come to see its landmarks. It can also foster a sense of pride in a community and provide a sense of place for residents. It can also inspire residents to take action and become involved in their neighborhood.
Public art can be used to commemorate a person, event, or a special place in a community. It can also be created to highlight a specific issue that the community faces. It is important for public art to be sustainable, and it should be made from materials that can withstand the elements. Some examples of sustainable public art are stainless steel benches, glass sculptures, and concrete monuments.
Many of the world’s most famous public art works are landmarks that attract tourists from all over the globe. They may be in the form of statues, such as Michelangelo’s David in Piazza Della Signoria, or even buildings or other structures, like the Berlin Wall or New York’s Charging Bull.
Some of the most popular forms of public art are memorials, which are specially designed to be long-lasting. Other forms of public art are more ephemeral and temporary. They may be part of an exhibition or a festival, or they might simply be painted on the side of a building or other structure. These works are known as applied public art, and they can be made from a variety of materials. Other types of public art are integrated into the surface of a building or other structure, such as sculptures that are built into a sidewalk or murals that cover the front of a store.