Reply To: Why is Public Art Typicly Extremely Abstract?

[Melanie Reber, RLA]

“Paris and other big cities in europe have a huge amount of traditional art in every corner and in almost every street. For me it’s a great influence and really big bag of ideas.”

Absolutely! Paris is an amazing city to spend time in and to learn how to dwell with public art. The notion of art as an ‘after thought’ or as only a centerpiece to ‘decorate’ a space is blurred there. How delightful to witness children crawling all over the great works of Maillol in the Tuileries…or skating in the shadows of the Eiffel tower. Or to see the surprised look of the weary traveler as he exits out of the train station and is somewhat dazed by the glare and confusion of shining stacked clock faces.

Small and large parks are jammed into every conceivable space as one turns the next corner. But most importantly… these areas are actually utilized by the local inhabitants… as they offer such a reprieve from the noise and activity of city life.

These spaces use art/ architecture as an interactive method to engage the user. It is part of the experience of place and never intended as something untouchable or to be merely viewed from afar.

http://nathaliewithanh.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/bparis1sem_024.jpg

http://www.ricksteves.com/images/xmas/hr_xmas_eiffelskate.jpg

http://www.paris-in-photos.com/parisblog/february2009/gare-lazare.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/j.norstad/paris2006/images/DSC00469.jpg