The article discusses the complex notion of 'the public' in art, emphasizing its interchangeable nature with 'community'. Citing sociologist Talja Blokland, it explores how 'community' is a socially constructed idea rather than an inherent quality. In participatory art, the public plays a vital role but remains ambiguous, fluctuating across different artistic settings. The examination also incorporates issues of mutual aid, surveillance, and individual rights in public spaces, thereby showcasing the ongoing tensions between private and collective experiences in contemporary art practices.
"The term 'community' is widely used because it has the convenience of being imprecise and loaded with positive connotations, a social 'something' that we cannot be against."
"The public, in contemporary art, is invented anew each time an artwork takes place—its role is ill-defined and malleable according to different settings, yet it is always invoked as a stable and unified category."
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