LegalArt Explores Miami’s Public Art

Kathleen Carignan, executive director of LegalArt, reflects on Miami’s art in the public realm…

“It was crowded and warm—this was a Miami summer afternoon after all–but everyone was excited to be at Gallery Diet for Brandi Reddick’s SeminArt on Art in the Public Realm. She showed examples of past work, walked the audience through the application process, provided tips to a more successful application, and gave examples of what made a successful proposal. There were some great questions about how the process works and the kind of support given to the artist once a commission is awarded. Art in Public Places assists the artist with developing a realistic budgeting, overseeing fabrication and coordinating the installation of public art works. Brandi feels it is the responsibility of Art in Public Places to support the artists and ensure that the commission goes smoothly and adds to the overall project…

  In her slideshow, Brandi showed both successful and problematic pieces. I think Claes Oldenburg’s and Coosje van Bruggen’s Dropped Bowl with Scattered Slices and Peels,1990, outside government center is an example of both. It is a refreshing place to sit  near the fountain during the day in warm Miami but skaters use the cracked bowl pieces as a ramp—not the intended use for this public art visible at http://www.oldenburgvanbruggen.com/largescaleprojects/droppedbowl.htm . Due to the damage caused by skateboarders, the upkeep and maintenance of the work is a constant concern of the public art program. One of the audience members then asked whether Miami had any ‘go to’ piece of public art. He used the example of Michelangelo’s David, originally set outside the Palazzo della Signoria, the seat of civic government in Florence, in 1910 a replica of the statue was placed back in the palazzo. This question made me think. Miami has some incredible public art but is it showcased? Do people realize it is here? Or, are we spoiled by the plethora of the pieces that allows us to ignore the art in some way.

I recently relocated here from Philadelphia, another city with a strong established public art program. When I had interns at the organization we did an art tour with public art professional Marsha Moss. She took us around the city and explained the history, background on the artists or projects, and controversies. I suppose that Philly does have some ‘go to’ pieces that tourists and locals alike think of as must see works when they go to the city, for instance LOVE by Robert Indiana 1978 at the JFK plaza (Love Park) visible at http://www.philart.net/art.php?id=239 and the Clothespin by Claes Oldenburg 1976 which is an elongated version of Brancui’s Kiss. http://www.philart.net/art.php?id=75.

I think here in Miami we have some of our own “must see” pieces for instance Words without Thoughts Never to Heaven Go by Edward Ruscha at the Main Library in downtown Miami visible here http://www.miamidade.gov/publicart/photo-other-ruscha.asp. I also love Isamu Noguchi’s Slide Mantra located in Bayfront Park which has the added advantage of being fun for my nephew to play on when he is in town. You can see it and read a father’s description of the sculpture here at http://daddytypes.com/2007/02/09/isamu_noguchi_slide_mantra_sculptures.php.

I think we should all, locals, visitors and new transplants alike visit and notice these pieces more. As a starting place I found this link to the Miami-Dade Art in Public Places Selections from the Collection, http://www.miamidade.gov/publicart/news-events.asp, a publication designed to provide citizens and visitors with a guide highlighting public art works throughout the County. The 60-page booklet features many of the program’s most prominent and popular works of public art, including pieces located at the Port of Miami, Miami International Airport, Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown Miami and various locations throughout Miami-Dade County.

Check it out and respond to this post with favorite public art pieces you love. If you are interested in applying for any of the public art commissions now available check out the following links.”