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.

Irena Lehkoživová Between Architecture and Art: Reception of Mutual Relationships Doctoral thesis Abstract My doctoral thesis deals with the relationship between contemporary architecture and fine art. I track examples of such concepts and approaches in which architecture and art permeate and influence each other. Besides, I examine how selected authors approach the chosen topic. A detailed analysis of the work and ideas of individual selected architects or artists is thus complemented by clarification of their methods and starting points. The aim of this work is to look at the predefined studied subject and the context behind it, to explain the associated concepts, strategies and the functioning of mechanisms, and the transfer of themes, procedures and techniques of creation. The thesis consists of three chapters, separate case studies. The first chapter follows the tendencies and changes in displaying architecture, which, under the influence of art, tends to create more complex viewing experiences. I describe here two examples and approaches that come out of this tendency. In the first part, it is the approach to the exhibitions of the Swiss duo Herzog & de Meuron, the second part is devoted to the architectural installations, which under the influence of installation art allow the visitor a direct...

This dissertation thesis aims to reflect on the current evolvement of public spaces and increasingly common discussions of the lay and professional public about its impact and importance for a democratic society. The main topic, "Autonomy of an artwork outside of the institutions of art", focuses on searching for the autonomy of artwork in public spaces in the context of how the artwork was placed there. The thesis describes specific artworks which were placed into the public space using different methods, such as art competition, no competition, as a gift, or in a way of temporary art. These methods are examined to find the degree of autonomy. The degree of autonomy of artworks in public spaces is determined based on the applied analysis which, among other things, focuses on how efficient the result is in comparison to the method of placement. The field research resulted in complex, subjective, sculptural and artistic opinion on the current practice of placement of artworks into public spaces. Such professional and relevant opinion was then presented to the responsible authorities which have a significant impact on the creation of public spaces. The author aims to apply the acquired knowledge in practice by offering his professional opinions for the new elaboration of the government strategic document called "Politika architektury a stavební kultury České republiky" (loosely translated as "Politics of Architecture and Building Culture of the Czech Republic"), which is created by Ministry of Regional Development of the Czech Republic. The main results of the thesis describe the efficient approaches which lead to cultivation of public spaces and the significant role of art in them. Such approaches were in the thesis demonstrated by civic influence on the government strategies or civic activism in a form of citizens' initiative called "Je to i tvoje město" (loosely translated as "The city is your too") which actively participates in the public debate in Jindřichův Hradec, town on the South of the Czech Republic.