Course Description

This course will investigate the ways in which artists have presented narratives in the public realm and the organizations that have made the presentation of those works central to their curatorial practices over the last 40 years. Focusing on recent works presented in New York’s public spaces by Creative Time, The Public Art Fund, the Percent for Art Program, Arts for Transit and other non-profits organizations, this course will look at what it meant to tell stories and open discourses that challenged or interrogated widely-held value systems, the events and the politics of their time. In addition to the specifics of current and other key works and projects, we will discuss the conditions that governed the development of public performance, temporary and permanent installations, the ways in which those works were influenced by public approval processes and governmental agencies, media coverage and community response. Each student’s final project will be an on-line proposal for an exhibition that conveys a “narrative“ developed in the context of this course, referencing other relevant works .

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

59 - 63rd St | A Survey

I decided to visit Columbus Circle (West Side) up to 63rd St at night and record my findings based on the amount of activity in dim vs. well-lit public areas.



Columbus Circle area




Traffic circle. Christopher Columbus statue and island of trees. Despite being in the middle of a traffic circle (below), the security of the trees, loud fountain spouts, and lights distract me.





This was taken around 10pm and I was surprised to see people looking at their phones rather than staying vigilant. I suspect that the lighting under the benches, lit water fountains and pools make visitors feel at ease in public.



The security gate surrounding the sculpture suggests no pedestrian entry. The previous photo also has metal gates but allows interaction with the statue.



Lincoln Center area







I'm assuming this sculpture looks different during the daytime.



So much light! Even for construction awnings and restaurants!



Dim/unused areas











This area was not as dim, but the enclosure didn't feel safe. Too many places to hide something or someone.



Lit signages










What a fancy subway elevator. Thanks CNN.


These are signs directed to the Turnstyle Underground Market.


Icons are lit as well. Author's note: This was taken at a weird angle because I was on an escalator.




The presence of light communicates ideas like, Come here! Look at this! Like a moth attracted to a lamp


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