Creation And Interaction

The research subject of this paper is the sculptural works in the public spaces in Shanghai. Based on field investigation, as well as a large number of case description and interpretation, the paper discusses different contents of cultural references and formal connotations of the Shanghai urban sculptures, and analyzes the function formation and space creation of the subject.Using the research methods of field investigation, survey, and other statistic analysis, thirteen administrative districts in Shanghai have been investigated in terms of their current situations of the urban sculptures. Based on the great amount of first-hand information, the paper conducts concrete analysis and research of the Shanghai urban sculpture by classification and statistical analysis methods. The subject being discussed has three parts:First, the research on the meaning, form, and space construction of the Shanghai urban sculpture, concluding from a large number of data gathered from field trips. Through classification and analysis of the investigation data, it is concluded that the Shanghai urban sculpture has the following four categories of themes: Historical Memorials, Ethnical Genres, Urban Lives, and Social Cultures. There are three kinds of representational forms: realistic, exaggerated, and abstract. Five functions of space are being created: political space, commercial space, cultural space, living space, and recreational space. Initiated from actual case studies, this paper discusses the forms and contents of various types of urban sculpture, and analyzes the distinct social and cultural meanings beyond the presentations of the sculptures, as well as the creation of spaces in different classifications of function.The second part is to analyze the views and opinions of citizens in Shanghai on the city sculptures based on investigations and questionnaires. Research and analysis by means of questionnaires is the most available method of collecting public opinions. It is of meaning to be keenly aware of the true feelings of citizens on these sculptures in such a way as sculptures are art works with public and social attributes.The third part is to realize the problems existing in the city sculptures and to start the exploration and analysis of these problems based on the results of investigations and questionnaires. This paper talks about the social origins of the problems existing in the construction of the city sculptures, which is based on the process of the building of the sculptures and directed by the theory of public culture. It is concluded that the problems are caused by comprehensive factors including objective historical limitations as well as subjective opinions of managers and artists.City sculpture is not totally a concept of art. Distinct problems should be studied in a method combined art, sociology and related public culture theory. Based on the information and results of investigations and data, a preliminary understanding of the status of sculptures in the city of Shanghai is obtained through theoretical talk and analysis.The results of the analysis and investigations indicate that city sculptures have gradually become a means of building city culture because they can help to build up citizens’ mind of ownership with art as an effective carrier. It is a major method to solve the existing problems and an important direction of the future development of city sculptures to improve the participation of citizens, to pay more attention to public initiative and to take public opinions into consideration.