The role that public art has played in past and present society
Discuss the role that public art has played in past and present society and speculate about the role it will play in the future. Use two examples of public art from Chapters 15–25 of the textbook to support your answers. Be sure to include one contemporary example and one from the past. Consider the role that socially engaged art plays in current society to address social and political concerns.
Sample Answer
Public art has played a variety of roles in past and present society. In the past, public art has been used to celebrate power and authority, to commemorate important events, and to educate the public about history and culture. For example, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris was built to celebrate the French victory in the Napoleonic Wars, and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor was a gift from France to the United States to commemorate the friendship between the two countries.