Sir, - I welcome Brian Fallon's report on public art ("Tradition in Crisis", The Irish Times, November 12th) if it is his intention to initiate some debate on the topic, particularly in light of the recent Public Art Report. Yet I have several problems with his article.
Why should there be unanimity about the form public art should take?
Why does he claim we need more permanent sculpture?
His claim that public art is an "anomalous, ill-thought out area and the artists who engage it are rarely the best ones" is an insult to artists who face the difficulties of working in the public sphere and those involved in the public art process. At no point does he attempt to engage in the process of public art and to acknowledge the fact of working outside the gallery space. What criteria is he using to make his judgements?
His final suggestion of including several professions and disciplines for planning on public art is, I think, wise and is indeed part of the recent Public Art Report's recommendation to Government through the setting up of a public art advisory panel and public art co-ordination group.
And why does The Irish Times publish images without crediting the relevant artists? - Yours, etc.,
Director, National Sculpture Factory, Albert Road, Cork.