Styles & Movements

Public Art

A fully inclusive definition of public art would embrace far too many instances of art-making to detail here—it would certainly include the religious commissions for famous cathedrals throughout the world as well as a host of commemorative sculpture. It could also be argued that cave paintings were public art.

Starting in the 1960s and continuing through the 80s, public art that was truly responsive to the community it was placed in began to be a serious consideration. By then, several government funding initiatives were in place, and there was more scrutiny into whether the art was appropriate for its time and place. Famous examples of public art controversies during the 80s were Maya Linn's Vietnam War Memorial in Washington (which has since become more popular) and Richard Serra's Tilted Arc in New York (which was eventually removed).

Now, public art commissions are routinely accompanied by community input and a lengthier and more diverse jurying process. Artists who became known for public art during the 80s include Stephan Antonakis, Scott Burton, Houston Conwill, R. M. Fischer, REPO History, Christy Rupp, Merle Ukeles, and others.