“I love public art projects because, when they’re done right, they give identity and character to a neighborhood,” said Councilmember Tom LaBonge.
The North Hollywood Gateway is up, it’s lit, and it already has its fair share of detractors. Metblogs’ own Jodi gave her review just a few days ago.
Let’s be honest: Nobody likes it. When I drive under the massive public art thing that has vomitously spewed across Lankershim Boulevard, I can’t help but think, “Who approved this?”
So, I asked.
In an email to Lisa Bianconi at the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, I asked:
- What type of selection process was used for the installation?
- Were other artists and designs considered?
- Who would have the final say on something like this?
Lisa was kind enough to send me a .pdf detailing the history of the North Hollywood Gateway project. Emphasis has been added on the stupidity.
The North Hollywood Regional Arts Council issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in 2000 to find qualified and experienced artists to participate in a wide range of NoHo streetscape improvement opportunities designed to create a unique identity for NoHo. The goal was to enhance the overall street character and be publicly accessible and functionally designed for long-term durability and easy maintenance. Sixty artists responded and an artist selection panel comprised of community representatives, artists, art professionals and CRA/LA staff used selection criteria standards (artistic merit, professional qualifications, experience, etc.) in their review of submitted materials. The panel reviewed all submitted artist qualifications and selected the renowned Peter Shire to proceed with a design concept.
Although Shire has had more than 98 solo exhibitions, 28 public art commissions and is represented in 41 museums, he considers the NoHo Gateway his most intense and fully realized work of art.
Wow. Imagine what Shire’s art would look like if he just phoned it in.
I want to see the other 59 designs, the ones that were turned down.
He also did those sculptures on the median strip of Santa Monica Blvd. in WeHo.
“…his most intense and fully realized work of art.”
BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
From now on I’m going to start referring to things such as naked emperors and crap art as “intense and fully realized.”
“intense and realized” cracked me up…isn’t that how you cover up a shark jump?
I want names of the community representative and CRA/LA staff so they can be publicly shamed.
My guess is Disney/ABC had a few employees in the panel. I’m used to searching for hidden Mickeys in Disneyland. Not North Hollywood.
I remember the many years ago when North Hollywood started this whole “NoHo” district thing. I didn’t like it then and I still don’t like it. Am I alone in this?? I appreciate what they’re trying to do, but I feel like they’ve never hit the nail on the head.
There’s a bed store in North Hollywood that calls itself a “mattress gallery.”
I need to commission the words to properly express how much I loathe that piece of junk.
No one’s “most intense and fully realized work of art” should involve neon chartreuse. EVER.
I agree with Lucinda. I’d love to see the rejected designs.