Zweig Project Would Add a Twist to Milwaukee
The debate swirling around the Janet Zweig art project got me thinking about the value of public art to our city and how other cities embrace opportunities to enhance their public places. In Chicago the mix of architecture, and the hustle and bustle is in of itself valuable but public places like Millennium Park and the artwork that fills it add to the overall appeal of city life.
The Bean
The most well know piece of public art work in Chicago’s Millennium Park is surely Cloud Gate, which is more commonly referred to as “The Bean.” The way it distorts the view, creating a seamless connection between reflection and reality has adults acting like kids, and kids well being kids. It fascinates people of all ages, it brings a little joy to people, and by doing so, it sets a tone. By creating this fun and creative tone it encourages people to stop and enjoy, the work, the park, and the city.
Janet Zweig’s work might not standout physically like either of these works, but the point remains the same. To entertain, to draw people in, and to add a touch of enjoyment to the environment. This encourages people to linger a little longer, to take a picture of our city, to stop and grab a coffee, to get a brat from a street vendor, or just say something positive about Milwaukee. Each of these are again minor and might seem insignificant but as the little benefits add up they in totality create a uniquely vibrant place. Quite simply, public art is one of the the unique twists that help make a city, a city. Hopefully Zweig’s, all be it small, project will be given the opportunity to add a new twist to Milwaukee.
If you haven’t seen Chicago’s Cloud Gate or The Crown Fountain I’ve added a gallery below:
I think its a great idea to have something of that type in downtown Milwaukee. This will make people who visit at least remember something positive of Milwaukee. This could also create a little destination point for visitors. But make sure if adding something on the street, make it big and colorful around, in other words, modern looking.
Exactly the point – it’s all about making your city more interesting to residents and visitors by the frequent introduction of “texture.” By texture I mean ecletic pieces of public art that residents can see/experience as they walk throughout an urban landscape. Some we’ll embrace, some we’ll loathe and others we”ll be merely indifferent – but than again, is that not the purpose of art?
For as corrupt as Chicago’s politicians are, they certainly are visionaries.