Recently, local media in Lanzarote published an interesting piece of news regarding the beautification of our city
In this article, we will analyze the process, the various problems associated with creating a sculpture of this type in a roundabout, and also different proposals that could solve the identified errors.
First, I want to clarify that this article will not criticize the author of the piece or its artistic quality, but rather the methodological, procedural, and political issues that have led to the announcement of this project. Through a series of points, we will break down step by step the problems that I believe are detected in this initiative.
Roundaboutism, a bitter destiny for sculptures
In Lanzarote, we have many examples of what I call "sculptural roundaboutism." It was a phenomenon of decorating roundabouts that filled these types of structures between the 1970s and the early 2000s. It was a measure for a culture and society focused on the automobile, in which public space was not a priority, and far from making cities and towns more human, they were filled with parking lots, two-way streets, and few trees. With the arrival of ecological awareness through scientific findings on global warming, urban planning, landscaping, architecture, and in general all branches of knowledge that specialize in human life, established advice, regulations, projects, and texts that demonstrate the importance of sustainable and inclusive urban planning. "It is therefore about creating a more democratic and accessible public space, not segregative or hierarchical."
Sculptures are part of the public heritage, it is a way in which the taxes of all citizens are invested in the aesthetic improvement of a locality, just like a mural or any artistic intervention. Placing a piece of public art in a roundabout hierarchizes its perception and appreciation, establishing priority of observation to those citizens who have or move by car. This type of action was fine when the democratization of public space or accessibility was not taken into account, but today they become anachronistic decisions and completely out of step with the times. This is the case of the sculptural complex "Homage to the Camel" located in the Uga roundabout, a monument that dozens of tourists try to access through a general road to take snapshots or appreciate the work, since it has a clear artistic interest, wouldn't it be more correct if this monument were located in an area where its observation did not pose a danger? Therefore, a sculpture must be in an area that can be accessed, transited, enjoyed, and observed.
Pharaohism vs digital democracy
For a long time, politics on the island of Lanzarote has been understood with what I call the "pharaoh complex," by this I mean the process by which a politician begins to believe only in their criteria without taking into account the decision of the citizens, an advisory board, or a committee of experts. It is true that management is often complicated and the rhetoric of plenary discussions often obscures the two main objectives that a democratic politician must pursue: to have excellence in the art of government and to promote the participation of citizens to achieve the common good. Has the commission of the sculpture "Fisherman with Marlin" been carried out in a democratic and participatory manner? Is there an atmosphere of elitism in having all the sculptural elements in the center and not investing in the adaptation and beauty of the neighborhoods through this type of monument?
It is true that handpicked designations are very attractive and using power in an authoritarian way is also attractive. Lanzarote wants to leave pharaohs behind. But is it possible to open participatory processes around public art? Of course, it is. In the digital age, Arrecife seems to want to stay in the mid-90s. The necessary technology exists to carry out participatory processes among citizens. In turn, there are mechanisms very established in Spanish culture such as the public competition to make a process like the one that has led to the designation of the project and the roundabout in front of the Arrecife marina more open and participatory. I only hope and wish to live in a more democratic and participatory city.
Proposed measures
Creation of a municipal ordinance against sculptural roundaboutism and decorate them with native vegetation from the island of Lanzarote.
Creation of a regulatory framework for the adaptation of public spaces in which sculptural monuments can be installed, prioritizing the principle of accessibility and perception.
Creation and implementation of a municipal app where not only the needs and accidents of the city can be reported, but there is a menu specifically designed to encourage citizens to participate in democratic processes, so that the inhabitants of Arrecife can feel that they are part of the development of the city.
Conduct public competitions that, through juries formed by professionals in the field, can transparently choose the best proposal.
Outside of the criticism and disagreement in what the management of this entire project refers to, I want to congratulate the artist Jorge Isaac Medina for the technique and monumentality achieved in the design of the sculpture to which this article alludes.
J. David Machado Gutiérrez
Expert in Contemporary Culture
