A (new) Genre Landscape
Office of Cultural Affairs – Atlanta
2008
As paradigms of temporary “public art” evolve, exhibitions like this one seek to create a new social landscape and in doing so, to perhaps radically alter the genre of “public art.” The work here can better be understood as art in public space, art that is truly community-based, deeply engaged with place and dependent upon its public to engage on multiple levels. Within this emerging network, artists in A (new) Genre Landscape utilize park space as a “studio.” The social environment within Atlanta is simultaneously shifting, creating multiple identities of place based upon aesthetic interpretations resulting in A (new) Genre Landscape through which artists are leading the negotiation.
The artists in this exhibition utilized park spaces for the purpose of engaging citizens and community in addition to challenging typical practices of art production. Together, the artists, community and city agencies take on an important role in the evolution of these temporary works. Collaboration becomes the framework of the exhibition, seeking to expand the definition of contemporary political, cultural, and social issues, as well as the status of public art. Is it public art or is it art in public space?
Images:
Tristan Al-Haddad, Virtual Doubling
Krause / Jarvis, Gates
Nat Slaughter, Game, “Catch and Land”
Matt Haffner