And The Hits Just Keep On Coming

Philadelphia’s public art seems
to be everywhere in the city

This copper screen, titled Ars Medendi (Latin for the Medical Art), was created by Jim Sanborn. You’ll find it at Thomas Jefferson University, 10th Street near Locust. To me, it’s a trapezoid. Some call it a wall. To know just what Sanborn is saying here, with sources, email Jim@realphillyhistory.com and ask for the answer key. Photo by Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast.

Philadelphia is rich in public art … thanks to its groundbreaking Percent for Art program that started in 1959. Since then, the program has commissioned over 650 art projects.

Today, basically any new city construction or major renovation projects must include 1% of the total cost for site-specific art. And you can see this unique art and sculpture popping up all over the city.

Of course, Philadelphia also pioneered its Mural Arts Program in 1984 to eradicate graffiti. That marvelous effort has peppered much of the city with large, colorful murals of mostly local subjects.

In addition, The Association for Public Art, formerly the Fairmount Park Art Association, provides info and photographic online tours of the many sculptures in its “Museum Without Walls.”

All this means Philadelphia abounds in public art. Many people like what they see. And many don’t.

We all have our own perceptions of beauty

Like everyone else, I have my opinions, however uninformed. And that’s what got me started on this blog.

I actually like both “Ars Medendi” pieces near Jefferson University’s Scott Memorial Library: the column or cylinder on Walnut Street, just west of it; and the wall or trapezoid behind the library near 10th Street. Both contain historic texts from world medicine. And like other pieces sculptor Jim Sanborn has done — including his “Kryptos” at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, this artwork is intriguing, possibly infuriating and definitely interactive.

Looking at “The Roundabout”

I thought of Sanborn’s work when I went across the street to “The Roundabout” near Bluemle Hall at 10th and Locust. A friend and fellow certified Philly tour guide told me about this artwork and said part of it was a reference to Philadelphia architecture.

My wife and I explored the artwork and saw nothing that made us think of Philly row homes. Maybe it was just too subtle for me. I read what the Association for Public Art said about “The Roundabout,” but still came away unimpressed.

*“The Roundabout” refers to roads around Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and also to the way the public moves through and about this space. Photo by Jim Murphy.*

*I failed to see Philadelphia row houses here. But you might! Photo by Jim Murphy.*

Art is in the eye of the beholder

Over the years, Philadelphia Magazine has often slammed Philly’s public art. One story by Sandy Hingston in July 2015 was titled: “12 Worst Pieces of Public Art in Philly.” Another was “Why Are Philadelphia’s Murals So Ugly?” by Dan McQuade in January 2012. McQuade softened his view a touch in a June 2013 piece, saying: “And, so, I present to you ratings of 10 pieces of Center City’s public art. Some are good, some are bad, but I honestly kind of like them all.”

Philly Mag’s schtick seems to be a sophomoric wise-ass tone, but the magazine’s writers also make good points.

In his diatribe about murals, McQuade concludes: “After all, it’s a time-honored tradition for Philadelphians to hate everything that makes the city unique.” On that, we can probably agree.

FAST FACTS

Art Location: Thomas Jefferson University, area of 10th and Locust Street

Artists: Jim Sanborn for “Ars Medendi”; Alice Adams for “The Roundabout”

Art Commissioned By: Thomas Jefferson University through The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority

Art Owned By: Thomas Jefferson University

Some Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_for_Public_Art

https://jdc.jefferson.edu/campus_art_TJU/2/

https://phdcphila.org/community-investment/improving-communities/percent-for-art/

https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.71.140/k05.f3c.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/Percentforart/Percent-for-Art-Policy-September-15-2021.pdf

https://williampennfoundation.org/sites/default/files/reports/Philadelphia%20Public%20Art.pdf

https://www.associationforpublicart.org/artwork/the-roundabout/