Can't think of a snappy title today

by Ruth Barker, 25 May 2011

Hello,

and how is everyone? I don’t think that this is going to be a long post, but I wanted to drop in and say Hi because I haven’t posted on the blog for a bit. I didn’t want you to think I’d forgotten you!

I was away in New York for a couple of weeks, and then since I came home I’ve been super-busy clearing the backlog of emails and Things To Do that had accumulated in my absence. I’m getting to the end of it now though, so thought I’d take a moment to update the blog.

A highlight of my NYC trip was definitely the High Line – a totally amazing public space! Every city should have one – though the cost must be extraordinary. I found it to be a hugely creatively imagined and generous space, which (literally) gave me a whole new perspective on the city. As a serious garden-fan, I have to say that the planting was also really impressive. Of course, I don’t know how the space functioned prior to the park’s development and it would be interesting to know more about the politics of its planning. I was interested to read This interview with Majora Carter, founder of the brilliant Sustainable South Bronx project for example. If anyone wants to write an informed piece about the High Line (and related projects) drop me a line.

I also came across the Andy Monument. If I’m honest (and I always try to be), it’s kinda cheap and nasty looking. I couldn’t decide if I liked that about it or not. I do like the way that it’s become a shrine though – that at least seemed fitting. Come to think of it, I think I’ve written about memorials and shrines before…

Back home, my attention was drawn to this which I think has the potential (note: potential ) to produce something quite interesting. I’d like to see what artists who aren’t known for their public work would make of it, as I reckon that something that used a very restrained formal language could be very successful. I’d be curious to see what someone like Camilla Løw came up with. Or even Martin Boyce? I’m sure I’ll get some stick for that shortlist, but there you go. Feel free to be outraged at my unguarded musings…

Oh and one more thing before I go. Damian Killeen drew my attention to this piece in the Scotsman Enjoy!

More later,

R