News

Perspectives MVT Panel Addresses the Question: “Whose Art is It Anyway?”

Wednesday February 5, 2020

More than 85 MVT residents, visitors and local artists convened at A Baked Joint on Tuesday, February 4 for the latest Perspectives MVT event, “Whose Art is It Anyway?”. Social sculptor and event moderator, Philippa Hughes, led an intriguing panel discussion about art in the public realm. Panelists included George Hemphill, owner of Hemphill Fine Arts in Mount Vernon Triangle (opening March 2020); Hiroshi Jacobs, artist and creator of the One public art sculptures in Mount Vernon Triangle; and Rose Jaffe, renowned local artist and muralist. Visit our Flickr page for event photos.

The event’s unifying theme was about how conversations are opened to a diversity of opinions and interpretations when art is put into public spaces, whether in a museum or a sidewalk. Every person connects with art differently, especially when we feel like it belongs to us due to its presence in the public realm. The panelists addressed questions regarding how art in public space changes our perception and interpretation of it, obligations of the artist toward the community and society when creating public art, does it matter whether the public actually likes the art, and if there is a responsibility for the art to inspire social change.

Perspectives is an event series hosted by the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District. The events bring people together to facilitate community-based dialogues intended to educate, empower and engage neighbors to work for the better while considering alternative point(s) of view. Please stay tuned for upcoming events on the MVT CID’s event calendar, in our newsletter, and by following @mvtcid on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.