Using Public Art to Highlight Government Misdeeds

John Metcalfe profiles the work of Spanish art collective luzinterruptus, who have used public art pieces to highlight the failings of Spanish authorities, such as Madrid's dysfunctional drinking fountains.

1 minute read

February 28, 2012, 11:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


The anonymous duo behind luzinterruptus's latest piece has turned four of Madrid's broken drinking fountains into "shimmering waterfalls of light," literally highlighting, "the degradation of this 'necessary public service'."

According to Metcalfe, other projects completed by the artists since 2008, such as fields of internally radiant rain boots laid in commentary on Spain's environmental pollution, have played with the element of light.

On their use of light, the artists claim that, "Besides providing a great visual impact, light allows us to make interventions in a smaller degree and greater in others. We avoid deteriorating urban furniture and leave room on the scene for other artists to work on or to the users of that common space, which is scarce in great cities."

See Metcalfe's article for links to the stunning images from the group's projects.

Friday, February 24, 2012 in The Atlantic Cities

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