Imagine a great artist whose work is seen on a daily basis by hundreds of thousands of people. Yet, even though many not only enjoy, but are transported by, his triumphs, they don’t know his name. (We’re not speaking of sculptures in public places. However small, the artist’s name is usually inscribed or affixed.)
It’s not that this artist is neglected. His many honors include MIT’s Eugene McDermott Award, one of the most coveted arts awards in the US, and election to France’s “Les Arts et Lettres.” Ordinarily, this author is disinclined to celebrate the most successful and wealthy. It’s just that this man’s work demonstrates the extent to which developing a public space can set the viewer’s spirit free from its earthly moorings.
Yes, Spaniard Santiago Calatrava works in the field of architecture, which, in the US, is only intermittently thought of as an art by the public. We prefer form or flash in our architecture, not art. Full story »
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