Banksy

“The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules, but by people following the rules.”

I don’t think I need to explain Banksy’s art; but I think of it as a reflection of public thoughts and emotions of the time, as art should.

Public arts can reflect society, offer curiosity and challenge perspectives, it may ask about life, how it was, how it got to that, how is it now, and how could it be????

Beyond aesthetics, public art can encourage public discussion and ask the public to think about themselves on various social, political and environmental positions.

Public art should touch and engage people, it should pull people in.

Well designed, it enhances a city’s identity, strengthening communities and create a meaningful space for the community

Well placed arts revitalise underused spaces, making these spaces feel safer, inviting, and in doing so, they discourage crime.

Public art has it’s own beauty. Whether it be aesthetics or meaning.

Can you think of a piece of art that you don’t think looks beautiful, but holds a beautiful message or purpose.

Public art can strengthen communities, amplify diverse voices and thus make for a more dynamic place. It should make the city more engaging.

Great art attracts tourism.

What in your opinion should great public art be based on?

Should it represent, culture, history, failings of the past or the hopes of our forbearers. Maybe it be a reflection of what actually is now, what the future holds, or an abstract of any of the above. Should it represent a hope for the future?

It could represent a combination of the above suggestions.

There is so much it can do, and often an artists interpretation is challenged by those giving the brief. This is often the case with some of the greatest and most popular public pieces.

Examples are.