Brief Notes on Contemporary Public Sculpture in Madeira

Abstract

In order to deepen the state of the art of contemporary sculpture in Madeira, we present a broad and selective panorama from the mid-20th century to the present day of different artistic interventions in the public space, with the
common denominator being sculpture as a territorial element and communicator of memory, taking into account its
educational, civic and artistic nature. In this sense, there is an urgent need to deepen, as far as possible, the occupation and justification of sculpture through various references of critical thinking that stimulate legitimization processes and combat inertia in the public sphere, which is intended to be dialogic and active. Good practices are thus highlighted and encouraged among citizens and decision-makers as a fair process in the preparation of public tenders, an essential requirement in expert advice from the world of art and university research for dignifying the place of public and democratic art in the public space.