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Archive for January, 2012

Update to Street Art and Public Art

Zoo Project

Elyssa Jechow has added an update to our most recent issue, Street Art and Public Art:

“Graffiti is oft used not just to record, but also to make a statement. There is some unfortunate vandalism, to be sure. Yet there is also what we call street art, public art, guerrilla art. Street art is technically definable, usually referring to unsanctioned art that is produced in public spaces, but since that definition does not really speak to medium, genre, or materials, then we realize that street art is boundless in its possible range.”

Click here for her discussion of graffiti and its social function today.

Vol. 1, No. 4: Street Art and Public Art

Katz Plaza in downtown Pittsburgh, with sculpture by Louise Bourgeois (Photo: The Muse Dialogue)

The worlds of public art and street art are complicated, enmeshed in social mores of the age and political debate, and all this discussion before we even get to the question of aesthetic judgment. Street art has aroused controversy, and that seems part of its purpose. Public art differs at least in that it has the permission of those who place it in the public view, but it too has awakened its share of contentiousness. Then we must consider the history of art that has been preserved for the benefit of the public. The collection of the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. is “public art” in its own way for it belongs to all of us. No small matter, these questions, and good ones for our contemplation. TMD takes this opportunity to look at some of the art in our public places in Vol. 1, No. 4 Street Art and Public Art.

Film Festivals

The Harris Theater, owned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and programmed primarily by Pittsburgh Filmmakers, is home to numerous local film festival screenings. (Photo: The Muse Dialogue)

The Muse Dialogues brings in the New Year with Vol. 1, No. 3: Film Festivals. This issue contains thoughts on the growing role of film festivals and their significance in the art of the moving image. And in case you were wondering what was the first film festival, the first US film festival, Or if you have asked what is SXSW and how many people were there last year, we have that covered here as well. For a table of contents, and article snapshots, click on  the link above or the image at right — Pittsburgh’s own Harris Theater.

As always, we look forward to your thoughts and welcome contributions on the subject. Enjoy!

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