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protective and subversive." (Erica Doss 1995, p.18). The petitioners saw this attempt of <br /> consciousness raising as dysfunctional and demanded that the abstract sculpture be removed <br /> because it"was ugly; that it spoiled the view; that it prevented the plaza from being used for <br /> concerts, performances, or social gatherings; that it attracted graffiti; that it made access to the <br /> building difficult." (Erica Doss 1995, p.18). The GSA's decision to remove the Tilted Arc was <br /> viewed from the standpoint that there was a universally recognized "public" and that <br /> accessibility and"public use" of the space was paramount. This decision was on the forefront of <br /> a widespread movement away from abstract art in public places toward public art that was more <br /> utilitarian functional in nature. Consequently, utilitarian objects such as bicycle racks, drinking <br /> fountains, park benches and picnic tables were designed as artwork to enhance urban spaces. <br /> To others, the debate surrounding the removal of the Tilted Arc was representative of"the <br /> degree to which public art discourse had become a struggle over the meaning of democracy" <br /> (Deutsche 1996, p. 265). This attitude was prevalent and reflected a "general tendency in <br /> neoconservative discourse to accuse art of arrogance or inaccessibility in order to champion <br /> privatization and justify state censorship in the name of the rights of"the people."" (Deutsche <br /> 1996, p. 265). In 1985, the GSA held hearings to determine whether the Tilted Arc would stay <br /> or be relocated. Even though 122 people spoke in favor of keeping the sculpture, and only 58 in <br /> favor of relocating it, the hearing panel voted for removal. The remarks of GSA chief Diamond <br /> at the conclusion of the hearing indicated that a populist victory had been won. He stated, "The <br /> people have spoken and they have been listened to by their government." (Doss 1995). He <br /> further stated, "This is a day for the people to rejoice, because now the plaza returns rightfully to <br /> the people." (Doss 1995). <br /> 52 <br />