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The Journal
News
Deciding Upon Art Based on its Merits We are writing in response to the recent article, "Public-art program should pick local talent, official says." We are the members of the Art in Public Places Committee as well as artists and art professionals residing in Rockland. An explanation of the value of public art and the mission of the AIPP Committee was missing from this article. The purpose and value of creating public art is vastly different from the purpose of building roads or a hospital. The idea is to enrich a community as a whole and the individuals within it by inspiring thoughts and ideas and dreams. Art can help people see things in a different way. Art can help people to reflect on their lives and inspire feelings shared by a community. In this way art serves a similar function as literature, poetry, theater and music. A "public art program is one of the finest contributions a government can make to its citizens since it provides the community with a unique identity, civic pride and thought-provoking cultural landmarks, as well as a sense of community cohesion." (Local law 6, 1986, County of Rockland, State of New York.) Legislator Ed Day says that if one work "is similar in quality" to another, then the project commission should be awarded to the local artist. He also added that he "wouldn't quarrel" with an outside "submission that is clearly better." Clearly, he is of sincere intention. However, the premise is misguided. Trying to label one piece as good, almost as good, or better than another completely misses the point. Each artist and each piece of art is unique. Each brings with it a different message and a different perspective. Often with art, as with music or literature, people have differences of opinion. What one person loves another may hate or be indifferent towards. We've all experienced times when we've listened to a song, read a book or looked at art which we didn't like at first but later found to have great value. When the Art in Public Places committee selects an artist among a group, the criteria is deeper and more personal than how "good" it is. AIPP selects what it believes will add the greatest value to the community. AIPP has the responsibility of articulating its thought process for its selection of art and encourages community representatives to participate as advisers in this selection process. As local artists and art professionals, we firmly and respectfully disagree with those who vote against the funding of a public art project based on the artist's residence. To us that is equivalent to opposing the purchase of a book for the library because the author of the book doesn't live locally. Clearly the content of the book takes precedence over the author's demographics. Art is far too important for AIPP to use residence as a selection criterion. Not limiting ourselves to local talent can also have the added benefit of expanding our horizons and would undoubtedly enhance Rockland's reputation as an artistic haven in places like New York City.There is no limit to the value and potential impact that art can have on the public. That is why people like Picasso, Van Gogh and Edward Hopper are held in such high regard by so many. The writer is a member, Art in Public Places Committee, and writes on behalf of the group. Copyright (c) The Journal News. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc. |