The value of public art.

LoveYou2 wheatpaste in San Francisco’s Mission District October 2020.

What a treat to attend a socially distanced, outdoor event: a conversation on the future of public art. Just as the program started, our host, Manny, invited the audience to dance for 30-seconds to a song. What a treat to be dancing with strangers; even if masked and bundled up against the San Francisco evening chill.

The conversation between the artist fnnch and Serge Gay, Jr. was both provocative and interesting. I’d not been aware of the fnnch controversy and did not fully gather what had happened until researching online after the event. How does privilege and perception impact the value of our art? Serge aptly responded to fnnch explaining how the fnnch honey bears are “easy” art, not controversial and so they sell, become a movement.

All of which has me thinking a lot about privilege, what creates change, what scales, and the contribution I seek to make in the world.

0nly 5% of a city’s residents will visit a museum to see the esteemed art inside. I’ve always been a fan of the art of the people: outdoor sculptures, public gardens, and, of course, street art. I am fascinated by how art transforms or informs public spaces. And particularly how art, and public art specifically, can capture the attention economy in the space of what could be either a void or an advertisement.

What would it take for there to be more public art? How can we support public artists who center messages of liberation and change by providing them a living wage? What is the value of ephemeral art - the things that can be savored in the moment?

I’m inspired to paint this weekend. To get back to the streets. To view the art of the people. And to leave a contribution of my own.

Btw, so fun to see this week in an important San Francisco Chronicle article, a feature photo with the wheatpaste art of myself and poet Silvi Alcivar in the background.