Art vs. Commerce

Art and commerce are duking it out at the Atlanta Airport. Guess who is winning?
You got it--commerce.

It wasn’t bad enough that the airport removed a number of restrooms on those long concourses and replaced them with retail--concessions and small shops--now the airport management is stripping out art installations to make room...for advertising.

Everyone familiar with Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has enjoyed looking at the colorful neon sculptures attached to wall sections that are positioned over the main escalators that passengers take to get to the shuttle platforms. The art in question was called “Four Walls,” and it was commissioned by artist Stephen Antonakos by a former Mayor, Maynard Jackson [the airport was recently renamed in his honor]. The abstract art installation features colored wall sections--for example one is a deep blue--with strips of multi-colored neon arranged in an abstract design. The art was appealing and attractive when installed--and it still is today. Naturally, the artist is upset [he was not consulted, and the installation would likely be disposed of, since it probably would fit no where else.]

What do managers at the airport have to say? According to an article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, General Manager Ben DeCosta commented, “We do what we do to benefit customers.” He went on to add, “Times change. People’s needs change. This is not a museum.” Well, I doubt that anyone even thought to ask customers what they want. As someone who flies frequently, if asked, I would have said that I enjoy the art--that I find it uplifting. It provides a moment of serenity in the otherwise chaotic airport journey and a pleasant reprieve from being jostled about and yelled at by TSA security guards en route to my gate. And a pleasant reprieve from being constantly bombarded by advertising, as we are everywhere we go these days.

And, how is advertising going to be an improvement? Well, visually, it won’t improve anything, but I guess it will bring in revenue from leasing the wall space--just like those shops that replaced the restrooms.

I feel sorry for moms with toddlers and the elderly [and sometimes, for myself], who must now walk hundreds of yards from some gates in order to find a restroom. The restrooms used to be conveniently placed, so that there was one within a comfortable walking distance from any gate. Now, if your gate is toward the end of the concourse, you have to walk a great distance to get back up the concourse to locate a restroom--better allow at least 15 minutes for the trip. Of course, with fewer restrooms, the lines are also longer--especially for the ladies’ restroom. This is incredibly inconsiderate of older travelers and moms with small children, who like to use the restroom right before boarding the plane, or need a restroom immediately when they deplane. But hey--the leases on that new retail bring in a lot more revenue than customer service facilities.

Yes, times are changing, and like the disappearing restrooms, that art doesn’t stand a chance. When it’s art vs. commerce, without strong advocates, commerce trumps every time.

--Diva

Comments

[PS]

It is sad that Mr. DeCosta is more reflecting his personal views when he says he speaks for the customer. His lack of interest/or knowledge in the arts and its impact on people and communities is more a statement about himself. If he was interested and knowledgable he would advocate for the respect of the artist and the creation. The general manager could have employed artists and designers to help in the planning of the changes, if that is to be. The man must lead a dull life lacking in color and guts.