Trespassing

I found myself walking past a large square the other day, flanked by several corporate headquarter-type buildings. It was an area that I usually drive past and pay little attention to so when I noticed the steel sculpture - shining brightly under the midday sun - and nearby water cascading down an elegant water feature, I detoured into the square.

Feasting my eyes on the warped reflections and lines of the sculpture, I cursed myself for not being the type of person to carry her camera 24/7. I should have had the foresight to bring my camera to the gym, right? Instagram was going to have to do.

Anyhow, I began lining up shots and role-playing at being arty farty. It only took about ten seconds to feel as happy as the proverbial pig in mud... when an overweight, cross-eyed security guard approached me and asked me to leave as I was standing on private property.

Really? I gestured toward the street I'd been walking along. I gestured at the broad expanse of paving and lack of signs, barriers, fences or gates to indicate this was private property. I explained I was a passerby who'd just glimpsed this sculpture from the street, and had simply walked over to appreciate it from a closer perspective in what I'd assumed was a public space.

My words fell on deaf ears... because, you know, thirty-something year old blonde women in their gym gear have been known for their dangerous ways in the past.

I left peacefully, but it didn't take long for the cloak of indignation to wrap itself around me. Each footstep closer to home, the more pissed off I became.

This is why: I'm a big believer in public art; something that everyone can have access to and enjoy. Whether it's murals, graffiti, sculptures or performances - that stuff makes me happy, and I'm sure millions would agree.

What the hell is the point in having a beautiful sculpture in a large open space, that only the nearby office-workers are privy to? One that can be easily glimpsed when passing by on the street, but may as well have barbed wire around it if the plebs want to have a closer look? I've been asking myself this for two days now, and I still can't think of an answer.

It's just plain rude. And I am now determined to return for further 'viewings'...