Art in Public Places: The "Big Nut" — Discussion
I imagine it must be a fairly tricky business to choose works of art for public spaces, especially if the project calls for something more than just "a life-like" sculpture of the city's founding fathers.
The sculpture shown here — locally known by the name "The Big Nut" — is actually entitled "Salish Sea Circle" and is installed on our community plaza, here in Port Townsend, WA.
The sculpture was created by Seattle artist Gerard Tsutakawa and was installed in 2011.
It's very much a landmark here in out town, but has been — as most public art is — subject to a fair amount of commentary, as well as satirical photo manipulations that show it with an assortment of rusty bolts photoshopped into the hollow center.
What are YOUR thoughts about public art? Is it impossible to make everyone happy? Will public art invariably be "controversial?"
Thanks for reading — comments invited!
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The Red Dragonfly is an independent alternative art gallery located in Port Townsend, WA; showcasing edgy and unique contemporary art & handmade crafts by local and worldwide artists. All images are our own, unless otherwise credited. Where applicable, artist images used with permission.
Steepshot
howdy there reddragonfly! I love public artwork and sculptures. some take awhile to figure out what they are but that's fine. I love the ancient classic designs that we don't see anymore but that's just me probably.
what do you think, whatever the city is willing to pay for should be put up?
Hello @janton and thanks for stopping by! I tend to lean towards more classical expressions, myself, although there are certain kinds of Street Art (graffiti as art) that I am also a fan of.
This particular installation cost $70,000 when it was put up, and funding came in part through a private grant.
well I don't know anything about how that artwork was made but 70 grand doesn't sound like very much to me but a big piece like that.
I love alot of the graffiti artwork myself, much of it is just fantastic! you see it and you're like..man, who ARE these people? and where can I buy their art?
beautiful sculptures...Gerard Tsutakawa public art work.
thanks for sharing your information...have a nice weekend
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Interesting public work.Street art always let me think what the author would like to say. It looks like part of treblinki (sorry but I do not know how to translate). During the communist times, the metal part was very much sought after by modern art artists. :) Greetings