Ina Boiten

Publieke kunst (Public art)
New dimensions in space and time for artist and public

Design: Thomas Buxo, Paperback, 176 pages, Illustrated (colour and b/w), size: 14,5 x 20 cm
text in Dutch, ISBN 90-5662-210-2 / 978-90-5662-210-7 , € 27.00 € 4,50 / OUT OF PRINT

NAi Publishers in association with SKOR and Stroom hcbk

Art in public space is no longer an unquestioned part of the streetscape. Statues and sculptures planted for all eternity on squares and in parks now face growing opposition. A changing society needs new forms of art and is calling for a new kind of relationship between artist, location and public. The author calls this development 'public art', art that stimulates, invites use, is universally accessible, demands active participation, engages with subconscious desires, offers a fleeting experience, and occupies an uncommon position in society.

Ina Boiten examines these new dimensions in art in terms of their social engagement and considers a great many contemporary artists in her account. She devotes extensive attention to Ann Veronica Janssens, Adriaan Nette, Harmen de Hoop and Jeanne van Heeswijk. Boiten believes that it is these four artists in particular who are capable of venturing beyond the bounds of traditional forms of art in public space.