October 5 - The Politics of Publicity

The idea of the "Public Sphere" is essential with activist art. It seems that activist art can only occur with a space where both society and state can have a communication exchange. In urban cities the boundaries between public and private spaces are ambiguous. "Private Property" signs seem to give notice of private spaces and even still, some public spaces don't seem public at all. Government enforcements seem to still control these spaces through laws and surveillance. It also seems that there is a process by which one needs to go through in order to post up signs or hold events.

Many activist artists and street artists seem share the same approach in creating a dialogue with the public, which often challenges societal and political norms. The public sphere can be a space where both society and state can have a platform for debate or discussion. I suppose the state's communication with activism and activist art goes through some negotiation process. To me, it seems like its only one negotiation process, the government's process. I might sound anti-bureaucratic or anti-government right now and I suppose that because there seems to be this polarized system in which we live in. I know that some government structures try their best to fulfill all the needs of all people but, activist art exists because of the hidden or sometimes ignored issues of the people. I was walking along Queen Street in Toronto one day and noticed the Speaker's Corner Podium (see image below)at Nathan Phillip's Square. It struck me that I never really noticed it before considering that I walked through this area several times. I suppose I never really noticed it because I have never experienced anyone using it. I am not sure that I would myself but, I'm thinking about it. This Speaker's podium is a public space for people to use yet, thee are specific discretions a speaker must make and some that I personally agree with. I suppose activist art takes some issues to another level that needs more attention than speaking on a government placed podium.


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