The Diminish And Ascend Sculpture That Looks Like An Endless Staircase Requires $700 Monthly Because Of Birds
A Christchurch artwork killed at least two birds after they collided with it and got impaled. Unsurprisingly the artwork is unpopular with some for more than that reason.
Its official name is the Diminish and Ascend staircase; it has been in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens since 2016. Before moving to New Zealand, the staircase was displayed in Sydney at the "Sculpture by the Sea" exhibition.
The artwork got sculpted by New Zealand artist David McCracken and seems like a steel staircase that creates the illusion of infinity through perspective. It's seen as a "stairway to heaven" by many people, but definitely not the birds.
Birds have a hard time seeing the spike at the end of the staircase. It makes the staircase seem infinite, and when they are flying at full speed, sometimes they can end up impaling themselves.
McCracken responded to these incidents by saying: “If somebody has a photo, I’d love to see it.” according to the New Zealand website Stuff. He also added: “Obviously, I have to do something about it,” and mentioned getting rid of the metal tip and replacing it with a steel-painted silicone alternative.
The silicone tip could make the sculpture more entertaining if gulls used it to bounce off. However, the silicone addition would be more about saving wildlife than entertainment.
Here's the original post by Reddit user u/lythronax-argestes:
Some people would not consider the Diminish and Ascend staircase as artwork and see it more as a form of pest control. This unconventional pest control form is quite expensive and costs around NZ$192,000 (£98,000) to fund by the council.
The Diminish and Ascend sculpture serves as a reminder of the power of art to reflect societal values and priorities. It's crucial to recognize that public art can have both positive and negative impacts on communities and the environment. As noted by environmental psychologists, the interplay between humans and their environment can significantly influence mental well-being.
To ensure that public art contributes positively to community mental health, stakeholders should consider environmental impact assessments during the artistic planning phase. According to studies conducted by the American Psychological Association, incorporating eco-friendly designs and materials can mitigate adverse effects on local wildlife and foster a sense of stewardship among community members.
By prioritizing sustainable practices in public art projects, communities can not only enhance their aesthetic landscapes but also promote a culture of care and responsibility towards the environment, ultimately enriching the psychological well-being of residents.
Here's how the Reddit community reacted to u/lythronax-argestes' post:
More people would be interested in seeing the sculpture if that were the case.
The Impact of Public Art on Community Sentiment
Public art can evoke a wide range of emotional responses, significantly impacting community sentiment and engagement. According to research published in the Journal of Community Psychology, artwork in public spaces can foster a sense of belonging and identity among residents, enhancing community cohesion.
However, when art is perceived as harmful or inappropriate, it can lead to negative sentiments, as seen in the backlash against the Diminish and Ascend sculpture following the bird fatalities. Residents may feel a sense of loss or anger when their community symbols become sources of distress, which can undermine the intended purpose of the art.
Thus, community engagement in the artistic selection process is crucial. Involving local residents in discussions about public art could help address concerns and create a sense of ownership, thereby enhancing the positive effects of public installations.
The Significance of Public Art and Its Maintenance
The Diminish and Ascend sculpture serves as a captivating example of how public art can shape community identity. However, the practical challenges of maintaining such installations, particularly concerning wildlife interactions, shed light on the complex relationship between art and nature. Research in environmental psychology emphasizes that public art can foster community engagement and emotional connection to shared spaces, which enhances overall well-being.
Yet, as this case illustrates, the ecological considerations of such art installations cannot be overlooked. The need for regular maintenance, as highlighted by the $700 monthly cleaning costs, raises important questions about the sustainability of public art in shared environments.
They might consider doing it to save some money.
The birds will finally win if they stop maintaining it.
They could turn it into a business.
The phenomenon of art causing harm, such as the collision of birds with the Diminish and Ascend sculpture, raises important questions about ethical considerations in public art. A clinical psychologist notes that the community's response may reflect a broader psychological principle known as 'moral outrage,' where individuals react strongly to perceived injustices, especially when they involve harm to vulnerable beings.
This emotional reaction is grounded in the human capacity for empathy, which has been widely studied in psychological research. According to studies published in the American Psychological Association, empathy plays a crucial role in how individuals navigate their social worlds and make moral judgments.
When art is implicated in harming animals, it can trigger feelings of guilt and responsibility among community members, leading to calls for accountability and change. Addressing these concerns requires not only acknowledging the emotional responses but also considering alternative designs or placements for public art that minimize potential harm.
This scenario illustrates a broader psychological principle regarding the balance between human creativity and nature's unpredictability. The constant need for maintenance reflects how human-created spaces must adapt to natural elements. According to studies in ecological psychology, understanding the dynamic interactions between art, community, and nature can lead to more sustainable practices in public installations.
By designing artworks that harmonize with their environment, artists and communities can reduce maintenance costs and enhance ecological benefits.
The birds can go wherever they want but still choose to be around the sculpture.
Birds should normally be able to avoid the sculpture.
There's a reason why those birds die there.
Psychological Effects of Public Controversy
Controversial public art can elicit various psychological effects among community members, ranging from anger and resentment to support and advocacy. Research indicates that exposure to public disputes can heighten group polarization, where individuals become more entrenched in their views, leading to a breakdown in rational discourse and community unity.
Studies show that this polarization is particularly pronounced in communities dealing with contentious issues, as highlighted in the work of Dr. John Jost at New York University, who explores how social identity influences political attitudes and behaviors. When community members feel strongly about an issue—like the safety of wildlife in relation to artistic installations—they may become less open to alternative perspectives.
To mitigate these effects, fostering open dialogue and creating platforms for discussion can be beneficial. Strategies such as community forums or workshops can help bridge divides by allowing residents to voice their concerns and collaboratively seek solutions, thus promoting a more cohesive community response.
Community Engagement in Art and Nature
To address the challenges associated with maintaining public art, communities can explore collaborative approaches that engage local stakeholders. Initiatives that invite community members to participate in the upkeep of public art can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Research from community psychology suggests that when individuals feel invested in their surroundings, they are more likely to support conservation and maintenance efforts.
This not only alleviates the financial burden but also strengthens community ties through shared involvement in local projects.
The sky needs to be completely free so birds don't get into accidents.
Making sure it doesn't happen again would be the appropriate reaction.
The birds basically created new job opportunities. You're welcome.
The reaction to the Diminish and Ascend sculpture illustrates the principle of 'cognitive dissonance'—the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs. Many community members may appreciate the artistic value of the sculpture while simultaneously feeling distressed about its negative impact on birds. This dissonance can lead to a range of emotional responses, including frustration and guilt.
According to research by Dr. Leon Festinger, who first introduced the theory of cognitive dissonance, individuals are motivated to resolve this discomfort by either changing their beliefs or rationalizing their experiences. For instance, some may downplay the significance of the bird fatalities to cope with their appreciation of the art, while others may advocate for its removal.
A practical recommendation to address cognitive dissonance in this context is to encourage community members to engage in reflective practices, such as journaling or group discussions, to explore their feelings and beliefs regarding the sculpture. This can help facilitate a more nuanced understanding of their emotions and lead to constructive dialogue about the role of public art.
Moreover, educational programs that emphasize the relationship between art, nature, and community can nurture a deeper appreciation for public installations. By integrating art into environmental education, communities can promote awareness of the ecological impacts of their creations. This approach can inspire innovative solutions that merge artistic expression with sustainable practices, ensuring that public art continues to enrich community spaces without compromising ecological integrity.
Ultimately, fostering this synergy between art and nature can lead to more resilient and vibrant communities.
The price lines up with the cost of living in New Zealand.
Seagulls have a lot of haters out there.
These humans are so ungrateful; the birds are only trying to help.
Navigating Emotional Responses to Art
Art has a profound ability to evoke emotions, but it can also lead to unexpected consequences, as demonstrated by the bird fatalities associated with the Diminish and Ascend sculpture. Emotional responses to art are often complex and can range from admiration to anger. Research in emotional psychology highlights that individuals process art through a lens of personal experience, cultural background, and empathy.
Dr. Ellen Winner from Harvard University emphasizes that engagement with art can promote emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to better understand and articulate their feelings. When faced with a controversial artwork, it's essential for community members to explore their emotional responses and consider how these feelings connect to broader social and ethical issues.
Encouraging workshops that focus on the emotional aspects of art appreciation could empower individuals to express their feelings constructively. Such initiatives could help bridge divides and foster a sense of shared understanding among community members, enhancing the overall appreciation of public art.
The cost of maintaining the artwork is NZ$700 monthly, which has concerned many councilors. The contractors get paid to regularly water-blast it in the middle of the lake in which it sits to remove all the bird droppings.
But who knows, maybe the birds are big fans of the artwork and would hate to see it gone. They love hanging out on top of it and probably aren't too bothered by the deaths caused by it. If you enjoyed reading this, make sure to check out similar content on our platform.
Expert Opinion
This discussion on public art maintenance illustrates the challenges that arise when human creativity intersects with nature. Engaging communities in the upkeep of such installations can significantly enhance their sense of ownership and responsibility towards shared spaces. It's crucial to foster this connection to ensure that public art continues to serve its intended purpose while respecting ecological boundaries.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
The interplay between public art and nature presents important considerations for community identity and ecological stewardship. By understanding the implications of maintaining such installations, communities can develop more sustainable practices that enhance both artistic expression and environmental health. As we continue to navigate this dynamic relationship, fostering collaboration and education will be key in creating vibrant, sustainable public spaces.
Analysis & Recommendations
In conclusion, the complexities surrounding the Diminish and Ascend sculpture highlight the multifaceted relationship between art, community, and ethical responsibility. Research from the field of environmental psychology underscores the importance of considering both aesthetic value and ecological impact in public art, advocating for a balanced approach that honors community sentiments while protecting local wildlife.
As communities navigate the emotional terrain of public art, fostering open dialogue, reflection, and sustainable practices can lead to more inclusive and thoughtful artistic endeavors. Ultimately, by integrating psychological insights into the planning and evaluation of public art, communities can create spaces that enrich both the environment and the emotional well-being of their residents.
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