Fittja Open 2011 : Platsspecifik konst och (re)presentation

This essay explores how artwork in the public space can be analysed, conceptualized and described by bringing attention to site. Through an analysis of artworks in the yearly art exhibition of Fittja Open 2011, the essay draws attention to site-specific art and structures of power. The principal aim is to present not only the exhibition of Fittja Open 2011 but also other artwork in the public sphere in Fittja, a suburb to Stockholm. From this point of departure other interests evolve that concerns the "image" of Fittja. The analysis, based on research in art history, architecture, ethnology and philosophy as well as qualitative interviews, also focuses on understanding the role of site and the relations between art practice, institutions and site. The result shows that there are problems with a ruptured interface between the artwork and site. The claim made throughout the thesis is that artwork in the public sphere of Fittja need to be sensitive to the conflicted issue of public space in order not to reproduce stereotypes. Despite the knowledge and insight about its local art situation, the study also points out certain insensibility on behalf of Botkyrka konsthall as regards social status and class