Those were the words of Katerina Gregos in a TED talk back in Sep 2, 2014 trying to unravel the mysteries, the intricacies and gravities of art. Though art has been here with us for the longest time in all human history and affecting us in diverse ways, it behooves us all to ask, what is public art? And what is its importance? More likely than not, this is the question that lingers in anyone who gets acquainted with a piece of art erected in the public corners, turn arounds, facades, murals, pavements etcetera. Besides a public art being seen as a landmark, or simply for its interesting aesthetic beauty, what exactly is the value of a public piece of art? What is its impact and how can we encourage everyone to make use of public space as a forum for human expression?
It is human nature to quest and chase after aesthetic experiences. They are a species that love to experience novelty. For example, the modern-day pizza that we feverishly celebrate, has its deep roots in the Italian culture. When Italy comes to mind, pizza is not the major culture the world has known about for its entire history, but art is. Italy, Spain and France share a lot of similarities with the latter being the most visited country in the whole world. Italy and France is home to some of the most famous and revered masterpieces of all time. But how is it that Kenyans undervalue the art, and instead relish the pizza? Should’nt the two at least be at par? The number of artworks exhibited in a country’s public spaces, says a lot about the democracy of a nation. Art should be looked at differently and not indifferently because all of us are part of the public art equation.
As mentioned, the less public art is visible in a city, the less vibrant the identity of the people there in. It speaks volumes they are an oppressed, down-casted society, a possible end of civilization. That says that the people’s culture dwindled away or is diminishing by the day, and their voice more muffled. Public art helps people identify their sense of belonging, and cultural identity. A people proud of who they are and ready to show it to the world. Public art, works as a cultural barometer, that communicates freely of its people, for its people and by its people. It personifies democracy. This in return attracts tourists and generate revenue.
The impact of less or no public art at all, is an indication of people’s poor psychological and mental health. This is evidenced by their poor economic strategies and choices, degradation of healthy relationships and socio-communication framework, forshortening of career choices and industries failure to diversify. The buzzing and bustling of a busy city should never be the indication of progress. Should all progress require movement? Public art is the antidote to our addiction to movement. Art is highly magnetic, and bumping into one in a public space reminds us to just pause a little, and savor the experience for a moment. Experience the joy and pleasure it brings, the wonder, the enlightening as it awakens your receptive senses. Art acts as a therapy as it is charmed to keep us calm and disconnected. It provides no more bandages than cures. Needful to know more on the subject of a public art they encounter, one can inquire or read online for there should be an extensive documentation somewhere, to enlighten them on their next visit. Experiencing a public artwork with a loved one, improves their relationship and thus able to spur memorable moments even allow them to make souvenirs.
The magnetism and the charm of a public piece of art draws not one, not two but many people from different backgrounds, social circles, and universes. This becomes a platform for interaction. The public art itself stirs up a conversation, without itself having to speak directly to its audience. By bringing diverse people who are total strangers together it dissolves boundaries, thus creating new pathways of social interaction. In an age where people are so caught up and glued to gadgets and technology, they hardly meet or talk to unfamiliar people. Humans are social beings, not robots, puppets or animals and thus are thought to be over and above any other species. ” The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of chemical substances: If there is any reaction, both are transformed ” C.G JUNG. Such mediated public experiences even impact positively to the piece of art especially where body contact is not restricted. Mostly, bronze pieces get themselves more burnished and sparkle up, while pieces not requiring physical touch, connect more on other senses.
Public art is about the artist giving the community and society a voice. It is used to create awareness of the pertinent issues affecting them communally or on a global perspective. Serving its purpose as a medium of conservation, it is able to impart change and development, able to change perceptions and spur up communal efforts toward a greater good. Finally, public art is able to inspire future careers by channeling creative energy to a child’s aspirations, enhancing memorable learning experiences, awakening its self-identity and its generation. Public art is able to find untapped industrial processes that result also in improved employment rates. Art can greatly assist the intelligence sector on forensics and also archeology in facial reconstruction to identify unknown dead individuals. Help to commemorate departed dignified individuals. It can also revolutionize the film industry via prosthetics makeup, to say the least.
But what is art? Why art? As Katerina puts it, “it is impossible to qualify and quantify how art affects those who see it, because it works in mysterious latent and very subtle ways”. She states it as the reason as to why she finds it difficult to convince politicians for art funding. Philosopher Jordan Peterson is also recorded stating that people fear beauty “…and beauty is so unbelievably crucial to economic development…beauty is one pathway towards God“. He goes forth explaining how beauty puts things into order. “And so we need to understand the role of art and literature and stop thinking about it as an option. It’s not an option. What is it said? Man does not live by bread alone? That’s exactly right. We live by Beauty…..we cannot live without it because life is too dismal and tragic in the absence of the sublime.“
Developed nations do not despise public art, even any art. They greatly encourage by ensuring it is well funded through a public art funds kitty. The society is much enlightened as well, and pulls together, from non-profit organizations, churches, counties, corporations, associations and even individuals. They foster efforts to ensure Public art is available and accessible to all viewers without biases of age, race or background. These nations are awaken to its importance in uplifting and enhancing lives. Less Kenyans are aware that, cultural festivals and perfomances are also a form of public art, that allows cultural identities and traditions of the natives to be sprawled in the public even once a year to keep them alive, otherwise they die and fade away.
Nonetheless, the impact of art is evident and all of us being part and parcel of it should know that public spaces are for everyone and public art should be accessible. I may not be able to change the whole world, at least not at once and definitely not alone, but, I can transform just some moments, which in turn can cause gentle ripples across the city and out into the world.
Edit by Kimiti Kamande
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VERY EDUCATIONAL EXCERPT!