Public Art Sociology

Public art is a phenomenon that has existed in humanity for thousands of years. The very first example of this would be Lascaux Cave. In this cave, located in France, hundreds of paintings and engravings can be found (most of which are animals). These illustrations are dated back between 17,000-15,000 BCE (Ancient.eu). Public art has only continued to increase in numbers and variations, as we see murals, sculptures, statues, and many other forms everywhere throughout our daily lives. It has many purposes as well, some of which are in regards to race and society. Though public art may have its negative aspects, I believe it provides numerous and valuable benefits to society. It opposes racial boundaries and/or oppression by promoting a sense …show more content…
If the people are not comfortable with each other, it can never be achieved. In an article they write about debates regarding urban reconstruction and public art, Tim Hall and Iain Robertson define this sense of community as “an awareness of a social body occupying a shared space with connections stemming from some common identity, values or culture” (10). Essentially, a community is made up of people who live in the same area while sharing similar lifestyles, principles, etc. What is important to note here is that race or background does not matter. These similarities would call for increased interaction between them, as well as zero racial tension. Public art comes into the picture when it is used as a tool to promote these concepts. A prime example would be the Anti-Graffiti Task Force. It was led by Tim Spencer and endorsed by the then mayor of Philadelphia, Wilson Goode. Through their efforts and that of the program’s artistic director, Jane Golden, graffiti declined, and was replaced with murals. One must note that Mayor Goode is African American, while Golden and Spencer are both white. The fact that an entire movement endorsed by a person of color, as well as the collaboration of blacks and whites for a project such as this is noteworthy. It embodies the power and ability of art to defy racial borders and bring people together. Murals were the highlight of the Anti-Graffiti Task Force, as …show more content…
Rarely do historic markers and monuments criticize the state” (Loewen 26). Many monuments and art pieces show a significant amount of prejudice. The privileged are showcased. For events that took place, they are justified even though they may have not been appropriate. In this version of storytelling, only half the story is told. However, this situation is improving by the creation of more inclusive public art. For example, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was opened on August 28, 2011. Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, he is the first African American to be granted such a monument in the area. (NPS.gov) This is an example of public art being dedicated to a minority, thus breaking the historical trend of artwork being devoted to the privileged. The previous monument mentioned—the Indian Memorial—is also an example of a more progressive and inclusive approach to public art. Ultimately, these types of public works elicit empathy from their observers. They cause people of all backgrounds to come together and comprehend the message of an artwork. A form of unity comes into place, breaking racial barriers and allowing for increased interaction in a welcoming

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