Customer Reviews

Art and the Public Sphere (A Critical Inquiry Book)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got this book because I decided to submit a proposal for a piece of public art in a competition. Frankly I had no idea what I was doing, and Art and the Public Sphere sincerely helped me out.
Politically, I did not know Public Art is very much about Freedom of Expression, and The First Amendment. There are political ramifications and responsibilities when creating Art that exists in the public sphere. For instance, I had never thought about how public squares often have Civil war weaponry, like a bronze cannon and cannon balls, but a replica of a nuclear bomb would be frowned upon today. Why?
Aesthetics were also addressed. For instance, an essay pointed out if you are designing a piece to be installed next to an imposing building, it's important to design your piece to hold its own. Otherwise it might look like a jewelry accessory, or a "bauble". That would be bad!
This book is a collection of essays that will broaden your thinking. I felt it helped me in my design process, and I grew as a result of asking much more of myself. The essays expanded my knowledge of what public art is, was, and could be.
Ultimately I didn't win, and my piece was never created and installed, but I am so glad, and grateful, I went all the way giving the design my utmost.
This is one of the best books I have ever read because it made me think, and helped me think better during the design process.