The contemporary politic arts and the other works of art that can be gathered under the same title are becoming a highly controversial concept. Both the groups that analyze art as a description of ideology and the other groups argue against them are being polarized. Thus it leads to solution of problem of the art itself. It defines what is called art as well. This paper demonstrates the eristic ‘politic art’ which is shaping contemporary art practice in public art. In my opinion, art is an adequately politic act in itself and it doesn’t comprise of any other concept except for itself. Nevertheless we cannot ignore the all images.
Marc Quinn’s artwork at Trafalgar Square is a specific example for this situation. There was a disabled pregnant woman sculpture which did not have legs and arms. It could be seen on every side of the square. Quinn examines the aesthetic value of audience. He makes visible the things that nobody wants to see but cannot ignore regardless. Marc Quinn was successful. People had written so many petitions to revoke.
His artworks are also the biggest sign that artworks may go out of the sterile art spaces which we call ‘white cube’. Rather than museums and galleries, artworks aren’t hidden into buildings. They are public, discernible and politic enough. His artworks contact with intimate relation of their environment and the audiences. Thus, he draws attention to the viewers who aren’t emphasized in a triangle of artworks, artists and audiences. There are more examples like photographer J.R. He takes many great photos that are consistent of the Palestine and Israeli people. Afterwards, he sticks them on the roofs and walls. Therefore, he interferences at problematic and he also discusses artworks and audience in the same context.
Last but not least, public spaces have serious implications for artworks and audience. The audience is at the same level with the artworks and this kind of artworks breaks the informal art rules. In conclusion, politic art and the environment are the most effective duo for creating awareness. Art is sometimes better defined by what is left out than by what is put in.
Merve Deniz
2013, July
