The Past, Present and Future of Public Art.

Ba. Rebecca PERKINS

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This diploma work explores the history of public art and how it has evolved, whilst examining public and private areas as art spaces. Public interaction and participation are studied in connection to increasing the accessibility of art, as are the importance of location and site specificity. The genre of Land Art is discussed, highlighting a number of issues surrounding profit and collecting the art work. Examples of controversy are noted, most often in relation to acceptable content or money and funding. The text also addresses the possible future uses of public art within contemporary society. The practical part of the diploma confronts feelings of displacement during a time of change and relocation and issues of liminality; of being halfway between something and something else.

Abstract:

This diploma work explores the history of public art and how it has evolved, whilst examining public and private areas as art spaces. Public interaction and participation are studied in connection to increasing the accessibility of art, as are the importance of location and site specificity. The genre of Land Art is discussed, highlighting a number of issues surrounding profit and collecting the art work. Examples of controversy are noted, most often in relation to acceptable content or money and funding. The text also addresses the possible future uses of public art within contemporary society. The practical part of the diploma confronts feelings of displacement during a time of change and relocation and issues of liminality; of being halfway between something and something else.

Keywords

Public art, interaction, site specific, land art, controversial art, location, funding, liminality, absence, presence, displacement, home.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 26. 5. 2010

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 16. 6. 2010
• Supervisor: Mgr. Zdena Kolečková, Ph.D.

JAN EVANGELISTA PURKYNĚ UNIVERSITY IN ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM

Faculty of Art and Design

Master programme / field:
Fine Art / Photography