Kristy Trinier, Curator for the Art Gallery of Alberta, gives a presentation about public art and the urban domain. Her presentation begins with general information about the different ways of perceiving outside space, as it relates to art, through various time periods.
In the 1960s and 1970s artists rejected museums and art galleries on a large scale because they were institutions of art, bound by many rules. Now contemporary artists are using all types of space to show their art; on the land, in galleries and museums, and in public spaces like parks.
The focus of her presentation is on the various works of art that live in outside spaces within Edmonton. Art can include such mediums as graffiti, sculptures, and paintings. It can be incorporated into the architecture of communities through the design of bus stop shelters, benches, flowerbeds, through the use of different materials, colours and design.
The placing of art in public spaces within Edmonton presents many challenges that include but are not limited to: vast temperature changes throughout the course of the year; the location of garbage and water sources in relation to the artwork, and the space required to deposit and secure a work of art to a specific area.
Trinier reminds us that art becomes meaningful over time, through the values held by the community. It is never too late to add art to one's surroundings -- traffic circles, rooftops, park and airports are all good places to start.
This presentation was a part of the Alberta Professional Planners Institute Lunch and Learn Session in May of 2014.
