Public Discourse is an in-depth study of illegal installation art. The primary focus is on the painting of street signs, advertising manipulation, metal welding, postering and guerrilla art, all performed illegally. Public Discourse is about passionate artists who want their work to be seen by a wide range of people rather than be confined to the systemic structures of galleries and museums. This non-fiction film presents an in-depth study of the use of subversive messages, mimicking of advertising methods and the presentation of three-dimensional sculptures to the public.
Shot in the classic cinema verité style using compact mini-dv and video 8 cameras, Public Discourse follows the art-making from initial idea through to exhibition, capturing the artists’ private and personal moments of exuberance and regret.