Watch the MOCA talk, Uncommon Commons: Making Public Art Work and answer the following prompt…

• Sue Bell Yank argues, “Trying to make attractive creative cities without addressing underlying systemic inequity makes social and economic inequalities in cities in North America much worse”. (12:20) How does the Culture Mapping 90404 project in Pico tackle these issues in its public works?

• How do artist Deborah Aschiem’s artworks interact with the cities and communities they are found in? Describe one artwork that stood out to you.

• LA Public Art Director Felicia Filer states, “So in many ways, public art is object pushes back against the forces of historical omission and functions as statements of cultural inclusion, not erasure. They also validate and document our civic progress.” (47:26) What responsibility, if any, do artists have when creating artwork for the public space?

Watch the Museum of Fine Arts Boston talk, Catherine Opie, and answer the following prompts. Also, respond to two other students' responses. All responses should be at least one paragraph in length. 

• Catherine Opie discusses her use of photography to explore themes of identity, community, and politics. How does Opie use portraiture and landscape photography to represent marginalized or underrepresented groups? Choose one series or image she discusses in the video that stood out to you. How does it convey a deeper narrative about identity or belonging?

• Opie also reflects on the tension between photography as a documentary tool and as a form of constructed storytelling. Do you think artists should prioritize “truth” or emotional resonance when telling stories through images?

• Finally, consider how Opie’s own identity and vulnerability play a role in her work. What can you learn from her openness and her dedication to documenting real communities in your own creative practice?