Since we are in the middle of this G40 Art Summit project, and since my mind doesn’t stop, I’ve been reflecting on what all this large-scale visible public art is really going to do for the community at large.
Since we are in the middle of this G40 Art Summit project, and since my mind doesn’t stop, I’ve been reflecting on what all this large-scale visible public art is really going to do for the community at large. Richmond likes its artwork indoors–traditional and easy to digest. The G40 Art Summit and other upcoming local projects will be blowing all that up, and finally the “importance of publicly visible art in our community” conversation can’t be brushed aside, or hidden away behind closed doors. We are no longer talking about the mere potential of art, but the reality of it in action. So how are the masses going to react? How will this reflect on the city’s reputation regionally? Has a tipping point been reached? Does this lead to more support and more jobs for artists in town?
Am I overthinking it all? Quite possible.
Here is what I expect to happen: a few neighbors will complain. The art will go on trial. Then we will see how much Richmond really wants to be progressive. Right now, everyone is digesting the situation and forming opinions, but the public art debate will happen soon. When it does, it’s important to remember that quality, originality, and artistic integrity are paramount. If we want art here, it needs to display those characteristics. But if it does, we should be fine.
I hope we’re ready for this. Based on the response to the , though, it seems like we are.
And now, the real reason you wanted to check out this post – more epic photos by Marc Schmidt.
Check out more of his photos HERE
ed. note: Can’t wait for First Friday. We want to thank Shane from Art Whino for living up to the hype. Very proud to be helping make this happen. Also, we’d like to bid farewell to ROA and Aryz, who are great artists and great people, as they travel to create their next murals. ROA will be in London and Aryz will be in Madagascar. Yeah, Madagascar.
