Scholarly record

THE RELATION BETWEEN ART AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE PUBLIC SPACE OF THE CONTEMPORARY CITY

M. Kostrzewska

Abstract

Art has always been and still is a mirror in which human activity is reflected. One of the basic human activities is physical activity, thanks to which humans are able to satisfy their needs, improve health and also function in society. Therefore, there are different relationships between physical activity and art. Both of them are present in the public space of cities and this aspect of connection is addressed in the article. The first research question addresses how the presence of art in public space can contribute to increasing physical activity or bring attention to the importance of its undertaking. The second question, as the reversal of the first, addresses whether physical activity - in itself or its various manifestations - can be a carrier of art. Can the manifestations of physical activity in urban public space have artistic significance and be an object of art? The research methodology was based on the analysis of case studies (both field and literature studies) of various public spaces in which art installations, sculptures and other forms of art are present. Physical activities that take place in public spaces and street sports such as skateboarding were also analysed. Research results indicate that the relation of art and physical activity in public space usually commemorate a meaningful event (e.g. art created on the occasion of the Olympic Games), activate (e.g. interactive sculptures and installations), aestheticize particular place and surroundings, and identify users (e.g. art and sport as a determinant of belonging to a subculture). While art is clearly the carrier of knowledge and information about activities, the reverse relation (activity as art) is not so obvious because it is associated with the recognition of forms of physical activities in public space as an art in itself. This view is shared mainly by those involved representatives of urban cultures, subcultures, and enthusiasts of sports and street activities for whom the manifestations of their activity is simply art. The main conclusion from the analysis suggests that the close relation between art and physical activity in public space is common, and furthermore this relationship can have a positive, activating effect on users. It can help participants identify with a social group, strengthen relationships within the group and aid the identification of its representatives both through forms of movement and other manifestations of artistic activity like graffiti, photography, or music.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocialF2018/6.3/S13.028

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