The risks of public art and its sites: From site specificity to data capitalism

Abstract In the digital age, public art is witnessing a profound transformation as public spaces become increasingly digitalized, resulting in the gradual erosion of its ties to specific physical locales. This evolution not only problematizes the “site specificity” that has long been a defining characteristic of public art, but also reconfigures the very essence of the genre itself. This article examines the challenges facing public art in the digital era through the lens of changing public spaces. It reflects upon, on the one hand, the shifting relationships between public art, physical sites, and site specificity; and on the other hand, underscores how transformations in public space, platforms of display, and artistic content indicate an increasing alignment between artistic practices and the logic of big data capitalism.