2007 Episode 9: Public Art
Public Art - Cultural Icons
Public art is contentious - people love it or loathe it; some
even take offence.
From the statues of Victorian times to today's contemporary works,
the relevance of public art has seen little change. This
documentary, written and directed by contemporary artist Lisa
Reihana, asks whether public sculpture should present new
developments in contemporary art, or reflect popular taste?
Every day, people walk by, under or through the hundreds of public sculptures dotted throughout New Zealand. While some see public art as the beautification of the environment; others may use it as a focus for protest; while artists and curators may find council choices dreary and unadventurous. Creating public art is a contentious undertaking - it uses public funds, and many constituents make up a "public".
Whether they are seen as icons, or a convenient place to meet - public art is a record of times past and present. These works form part of a narrative that threads society together - people are still commemorated, and places and stories are remembered.
This film draws attention to sites and their histories, investigating architecture and the contemporary environment. Each work speaks to its social, economic and political conditions. They should provoke, inspire, beautify and horrify people - and make their lives richer.
