// “Street Art” on the Tate Modern//

The Tate has once again expanded its art presence in the world by commissioning 15 large scale street art works for the exterior of the epic former power station on the Southbank of London. They are currently on view and will continue to be until summer’s end.

The Evening Standard notes the absence of Banksy in the exhibtion (which is obviously free and open to the public 24 hours a day); however, the reviewer is mostly supportive of the exhibition. I’m not sure where I fall on the newest addition to the Tate.

On the one hand, it is encouraging people who may or may not cross into the building itself to get some art into their life and perhaps shift their understanding of the role of a museum and maybe pull new people inside the gallery spaces. On the other hand, is this exhibition doing anything more than allowing street artists that are already out there doing their thing to use a space typically “off limits” to extend their work? I almost think that the Tate isn’t going far enough with this commission…..

Obviously the public art believer in me is compelled by the Tate’s ability to project new light on art and to be an even more compelling art presence in the neighborhood - but is street art where they should be heading? For an institution renowned for its impressive Turbine Hall installations - is this really the next step?

I don’t know….

(Image from Flickr user jason.delport of blu’s piece)

*** UPDATE: I WOULD HAVE LOVED IT, especially the opening. Check Katcha’s pictures from “Come Play” at the Tate - LOOK AT ALL THE KIDS!!!! SOOOOOO GOOD.