As part of a set of four posts with Spacing, Artmap.ca \/ AccessArt is sharing sixteen short videos that feature some of our favourite public art pieces. The creators describe their videos as a reflection of their love of public art and desire for more people to enjoy it.<\/p>\n
This set of access feature videos focuses on expanding audience size by increasing the means that artists have to express themselves, for example incorporating tactile and sound art.<\/p>\n
Along with serving blind or low-vision individuals, tactile surfaces can help people recall memories and add dimension and felt experience. Art works that invite touch can also become a shared record of collective affection over time. For an example of this phenomenon, check out the patinas on Brian Jungen<\/a> and Henry Moore\u2019<\/a>s pieces near the Art Gallery of Ontario. See how cumulative touch from people\u2019s hands (and bums with Moore) have raised polished golden highlights up from brownish bronze.<\/p>\n The lack of sound art in Toronto is a missed opportunity. Keystone works in the city, such as Murmur<\/a>, speak of the possibilities for adding new layers of experience, accessibility and feeling to public art works.<\/p>\n Although this set of only two multisensory access features is the favourite of many researchers and artists to consider \u2013 it also seems woefully undeveloped. What other multi-sensory elements could be used in public art pieces? Current suggestions include incorporating natural smells from plants and high-contrast murals such as those being made by Toronto artist Leyland Adams<\/a> (in partnership with the CNIB Foundation). Please suggest other ideas for multisensory access features here<\/a>.<\/p>\nSound Art (1:43 mins. CC)<\/h2>\n