Public art

I walked into the market this morning in this Paris overspill suburb, part of the Paris banlieue. The town was built in the 1970's and the streets form a rabbit warren of low rise accommodation with alleyways and paved squares interconnected by walkways. Every time I come here I get lost! I did notice a few helpful markers to navigate by today. These sculptures on nearby squares are linked by metal tracks which themselves enclose the sculptures of which they form a part. The concrete is rough and worn. This one is the best one I found and actually looks far better in the picture than in real life. It made me ponder whether such works have much artistic merit. They were obviously commissioned in an attempt to make unattractive modern buildings more interesting or attractive. Many now are tired and on a grey day look a bit depressing. No doubt the original maker considered himself/herself an artist and they have some design merit in my view. I just wonder whether these ubiquitous urban creations which can be found in many small towns across Europe will survive and be revered by future generations or whether the poor materials and original utilitarian concept will see them consigned to the dustbin of art history.