Public art brightens city and improves our mood
It will be interesting to see it under the sun or the rain, with clouds reflecting around it in the river or even under the snow.
Many shared my excitement about getting the sculpture, and its twin to be located near the Arts Centre, by world-renowned British sculptor Antony Gormley.
Many others complained about the work’s cost. The Christchurch City Council has put up $502,000 and the Government has contributed an undisclosed amount.
Yes, this is a lot of money. Yes, there are roads to fix and houses to repair. But buying art for a city severely deprived of beauty is not a waste of public money.
A United States statistical analysis of happiness in New York City, London, Paris, Toronto, and Berlin found living in an aesthetically beautiful city made people happier.
‘‘The things people were constantly surrounded by – lovely architecture, history, green spaces, cobblestone streets – had the greatest effect on their happiness,’’ The Atlantic reported.
Not everyone agrees the Gormley sculptures are beautiful. Some said they were crap. Some said they literally looked like crap.
But art is not there to please everyone, and if it ignites conversations and reactions then surely it’s doing its job. That it brightens the city and brings a sense of peace to some of the people who look at it is enough. Those who don’t like it might get more out of the next one.
The sculptures also have potential to put Christchurch on the global artistic map. Public art experts say Gormley’s work has attracted tourists and helped revitalise towns across the globe.
Of course we could get local artists to do great stuff, maybe for less money. And so we should. It’s great to get as much diversity as possible: temporary installations, street art, local and international artists.
The mix will make Christchurch beautiful, and the beauty will make us happier, even if we don’t all fall in love with every single installation.
Buying art for a city severely deprived of beauty is not a waste of public money.