Public Art Task
Key vocabulary:
Commission: An artwork that is commissioned is one that someone has granted permission for and also paid for.
Realistic: A style of art that is detailed and accurate, and the artist has attempted to show something as it really appears. Realistic artworks can be very life-like.
Stylised: A style of art that is recognisable, but not realistic. Certain parts are exaggerated or simplified, or altered in some other way. Often this is done to fit in with a certain style, e.g. cartooning, or to express a mood.
Abstract: A style of art that does not accurately resemble something. Instead, aspects may be exaggerated or simplified, even to the degree where it is not possible to recognise what has been drawn or painted (or sculpted, etc.) by the artist.
Above: Year 12 Students on an excursion to visit Vault, by Ron Robertson Swan. Vault is located in Melbourne.
Public art refers to art that is planned and made with the specific intention of being situated in a public place, such as outside, and be easily viewed and enjoyed by general members of the public.
City Councils will often commission public art to make their city more appealing. They often have a place in mind and find an artist to create a work for them. Other times, artists might have an idea for a work of public art they would like to create, and they may approach organisations for funding, or the city council for permission.
Public art can be permanent or temporary.
Public art can be very controversial. Because everyone can see it, everyone usually has an opinion on it! Especially since more often than not, their council paid for it. There are lots of examples of public art works that have been hated by the residents of the city or town. Sometimes these artworks are eventually loved and celebrated, but other times, they can be moved to a different location to please the public.
Often, public art takes the form of a sculpture. It can be abstract, stylised, or realistic. However it can also be a range of things, like paintings, murals, installations, graffiti art, video projections, and more!