Does public art have provocative power?

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Does public art have any real provocative power? Is anyone aware of an example of a piece of public art that caused change, or outrage, or protest? I'm looking for an example of art that really is in a public space where the public must confront it even if they care not to. Areas like public parks, streets, etc.

-- Michelle Karem (mlk241@nyu.edu), March 18, 2002

Answers

I think Rodin's Burghers of Calais illicited some very emotional responses when it was first installed.

-- Bill Eubanks (beubanks@swasc.com), May 08, 2002.

Serra's "Tilted Arc" caused extreme controversy in 1981 and was taken down. Christo creates work in the public realm which confronts you, but is not confrontational.

-- sandra brown (sanbrown@bigpond.com.au), October 28, 2002.

I finished my dissertation in december last year which concentrated on artists work placed in advertising hoardings. I found this to cause more protest than provocative advertising campaigns(i.e benneton, etc..), partly because it was an individuals viewpoint rather than a corporate one. But i suppose that as with most advertising it is as likely to be ignored and taken in along with all the other everyday imagery we see in our streets , so doesnt necessarily make you confront it.

-- adrian pitt (superfurrydonutboy@hotmail.com), December 23, 2002.

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