I have noticed a growing "trend" in Gauteng – Public Art displayed in shopping malls. For the most part, I think it started more as the result of a marketing plan than as a genuine desire to promote and develop art. Regardless, it has created a greater interest in art.
During the course of my research, I realized that this “trend” is not a recent development. In fact, many shopping malls have adopted the display of artworks for many years now and Public Art is also presented within the context of Corporate Art – art made with the purpose of display within corporations.
With the exception of mass-produced art, these forms of Public Art have as much merit as any other art form. While the motivation for the creation of these artworks are more commercial, an artist always puts a bit of him- or herself in their work, thus each artwork still has a deep personal meaning. The Public Art displayed in shopping malls are inclined to convey a positive, community-based or historical message and the organizations who commission these artworks tend to build the shopping malls around this message and/or image. It is important to note though, that the opposite of this is also the practice.
As I stated in my previous post, Public Art generally has a specific message but in the case of Public Art within Corporate Art this is not always the case. Sometimes it is requested that the artwork simply adheres to a certain theme, colour or whatever else the corporation has in mind. In South Africa, I have noticed an intense degree of cultural pride in the artworks displayed in a corporate environment, which inevitably leads to the promotion of art and culture.
Overall, I believe that Public Art displayed in shopping malls and within the context of Corporate Art is a good thing. It promotes and supports cultural and artistic endeavors while presenting many people with the opportunity to be exposed to art.
Blessings,
Mel
Next week: Graffiti.
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