blog #4

Art is very prevelent in our society, but a lot of it goes unnoticed. Besides being publicized in museums or where one might find art, it exists off of a canvas and on a television screen or in a clothing store instead. Someone's first reaction towards a retail store may not be its contents, but how its portrayed on the sign outside. The same goes for restaurants, since we tend to eat with our eyes first. A majority of peoples craft and creation exists through the t.v. because that's where the public eye is. Art can have several affects on those who observe it and has a variety of purposes.

Art can be used to bring people together with similar feelings or tastes, but it can also divide people because of different perceptions. For example, San Francisco has some of the most unique art. One piece that has had mixed reviews is Claes Oldenburg's interpretation of Cupid's mythical bow and arrow of love. While some understand the idea of romance in the city of love, others take a much more troubling point of view, saying that it's shooting the arrow down to satan. I'm sure this was not the artist's intention, many wanted this public art to be removed.

Not all public art is controversial, but it does have an affect on those who observe it. Personally, it is pleasing to the eye and can add to a city, so not having it to look at would be boring and made a lot of locations very lackluster.