An empty space is left “as-is” and lit brightly from below with a grid of fluorescent tubes. Whereas other projects in this popular Seattle neighborhood improvement program fill up vacant spaces with decorative elements, This Space Intentionally Left Blank highlights the vacancy making the empty space itself the object of the piece. Vinyl lettering is installed in the windows with the phrase “This Space Intentionally Left Blank” to call out the empty interior to the public on one level but also to focus attention on the intentional non-use of the building membrane. With all the windows left blank, the public is invited to look through and observe what other more decorative works are trying to hide.
This project was interesting. It was for a popular activation program that is using art to activate vacant space. I conceptualized this project with Andy Graydon and both of us were very interested in the effect of turning the glaring light vacancy in on itself. Once complete, the loud, bright statement felt good as if we had claimed an area of space with a sentence.
The reaction of the program owners and property owners was not as positive. The glaring spotlight on economic vacancy we choose to construct was in opposition to the nature of the art program — to populate or decorate a vacant city with appropriate use or attractive work.
It was a good lesson. When working in public space, there are political influences that are very much in play. The context of public art is quite different than what you find in an institution.