Unlike unrealized architectural projects, which are frequently exhibited and circulated, unrealized artworks tend to remain unnoticed or little known. But perhaps there is another form of artistic agency in the partial expression, the incomplete idea, the projection of a mere intention? Agency of Unrealized Projects (AUP) seeks to document and display these works. Whether censored, forgotten, postponed, impossible, or rejected, unrealized projects form a unique testament to the speculative power of non-action.

AUP follows the publication entitled “Unbuilt Roads: 107 Unrealized Projects,” collated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Guy Tortosa after several years of international research conducted in the late 1990s. Twenty years later, the Agency of Unrealized Projects was formed in collaboration with Julieta Aranda and Anton Vidokle, and an open call for unrealized projects was issued for its first public exhibition at ArtBasel in 2011. The open call will continue until all unrealized art projects are compiled.

Electronic Theater - Laurie Anderson

PROJEKT - Ulrich Rückreim

Memorial - Ilya Kabakov

Unrealized Turtles 1967 - Joseph Grigely

KEEPING IN TOUCH - Allan Kaprow

Entwurf für einen erneuerten Malkasten 1992 - 1994 - Ulrike Holthöfer

Project 1 + Project 2 - Simryn Gill

The World Record - General Idea

The World is a Theater and we each have a role - Louise Bourgeois

Douglas Gordon - 5 year drive-by; proposal for a public artwork.

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W5298
17.10.2012
EFI SAVVIDES
WWW
Nature is always quick to assume the position of history when history, like an impotent and weary creature, gradually loosens its hold on things, receding deeper and deeper into the negative space of oblivion, during its irreversible descent coming apart ...
Nature is always quick to assume the position of history when history, like an impotent and weary creature, gradually loosens its hold on things, receding deeper and deeper into the negative space of oblivion, during its irreversible descent coming apart ...
U9988
01.10.1987
City Hall Tower Night Ilumination - Krysztof Wodiczko
Unbuilt Roads
"In the name of "progress" our official culture is striving to force the new media to do the work of the old." -Marshall McLuhan "For the city of today does speak to us, but it is also at certain points and in certain orders remarkably silent. There a ...
"In the name of "progress" our official culture is striving to force the new media to do the work of the old." -Marshall McLuhan "For the city of today does speak to us, but it is also at certain points and in certain orders remarkably silent. There a ...
W4411
25.05.2011
PROJECT SUN RITE „GRAVITATION“ REAL LIFE  - Maria Dundakova
WWW
PROJECT SUN RITE „GRAVITATION“ REAL LIFE place of communication = city of transformation Contribution for the first international Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) design competition 2010, Abu Dhabi The project is an open-ended work, a WORK I ...
PROJECT SUN RITE „GRAVITATION“ REAL LIFE place of communication = city of transformation Contribution for the first international Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) design competition 2010, Abu Dhabi The project is an open-ended work, a WORK I ...
W5290
16.10.2012
Polo Picasso - Matthew Britton
WWW
After catching the revamped Art Attack series on the Disney Channel, I came across the character ‘Vincent Van Coconut’. I felt that this was a poor parody and wanted to create a better teaching aid. So I built a maquette for a character called ‘Polo ...
After catching the revamped Art Attack series on the Disney Channel, I came across the character ‘Vincent Van Coconut’. I felt that this was a poor parody and wanted to create a better teaching aid. So I built a maquette for a character called ‘Polo ...
W10838
13.12.2014
Exterminators - Fani Zguro
WWW
“Mister Dosti” is a project that originates from the literature. In 2010, the Mr. Dosti was finished, and published only in a few copies, as a volume with Albanian stories. The text itself features various types of writings such as: poetry, notes, pro ...
“Mister Dosti” is a project that originates from the literature. In 2010, the Mr. Dosti was finished, and published only in a few copies, as a volume with Albanian stories. The text itself features various types of writings such as: poetry, notes, pro ...
W4707
26.05.2011
Dear Earth - Lisa Hein and Robert Seng
WWW
DEAR EARTH Proposal for a Construction Fence 2007 DEAR is a salutation to strangers and intimates alike. The word began all written communication in English at one time. Now that friendly discourse travels electronically, the word DEAR is reserved ...
DEAR EARTH Proposal for a Construction Fence 2007 DEAR is a salutation to strangers and intimates alike. The word began all written communication in English at one time. Now that friendly discourse travels electronically, the word DEAR is reserved ...
W5464
21.10.2012
Electron Self-Portrait - Lauren Jo
WWW
An electron microscope uses a beam of electrons to illuminate a specimen and produce a magnified image. In particular, a scanning electron microscope shoots focused electron beams that rather than carrying an image itself back to the lens, probes the spec ...
An electron microscope uses a beam of electrons to illuminate a specimen and produce a magnified image. In particular, a scanning electron microscope shoots focused electron beams that rather than carrying an image itself back to the lens, probes the spec ...
W5439
20.10.2012
Alkis Hadjiandreou
WWW
There were many ends within the British ‘end of empire’, just as the people who had lived under its sway faced a 'rich assortment of futures'... Unlike the full panoply of decolonization celebrations which had been pioneered in India.... ...
There were many ends within the British ‘end of empire’, just as the people who had lived under its sway faced a 'rich assortment of futures'... Unlike the full panoply of decolonization celebrations which had been pioneered in India.... ...
W4381
25.05.2011
Listening Sign - Jamie Pawlus
WWW
Project: Listening Sign The empty sign structure is rapidly populating the urban and rural horizon across the entire United States. I perceive it as a symbol of an economy, culture, and the human spirit in a state of decline. This structure is more tha ...
Project: Listening Sign The empty sign structure is rapidly populating the urban and rural horizon across the entire United States. I perceive it as a symbol of an economy, culture, and the human spirit in a state of decline. This structure is more tha ...
W3574
12.05.2011
Intravenous Robot Painting Arm Extension Version #1 - Peter T. Christenson
WWW
The proposed unrealized project tentatively titled Intravenous Robot Painting Arm Extension Version #1 would be comprised of IV tubing and a variation of my microbot—an amoeba of a robot built with a paintbrush, a 3VDC Micro Vibration Motor, and a 3V l ...
The proposed unrealized project tentatively titled Intravenous Robot Painting Arm Extension Version #1 would be comprised of IV tubing and a variation of my microbot—an amoeba of a robot built with a paintbrush, a 3VDC Micro Vibration Motor, and a 3V l ...
W4996
30.08.2012
Chinese American Flag - Maarten Daudeij
WWW
(Working) Title: Chinese American Flag Artist: Maarten Daudeij (The Netherlands, Australia) Year of origination of idea: 2011 Concept: To wave a large size flag of which the design is a collage of the Chinese and the American Flag on top of the Museum ...
(Working) Title: Chinese American Flag Artist: Maarten Daudeij (The Netherlands, Australia) Year of origination of idea: 2011 Concept: To wave a large size flag of which the design is a collage of the Chinese and the American Flag on top of the Museum ...
U9963
01.01.1994
Ruderaltisch, 1994/95 Kunst am Bau - Projekt - Lois Weinberger
Unbuilt Roads
Die Arbeit besteht aus einem Betontisch im Freien / auf dem erdgefüllte / allgegenwärtige Behälter / wie entleerte Öldosen / leere Farbkübel / „unverwüstliche Plastiksäcke" stehen. Eine Bepflanzung wird nicht vorgenommen / da die im Freiland ...
Die Arbeit besteht aus einem Betontisch im Freien / auf dem erdgefüllte / allgegenwärtige Behälter / wie entleerte Öldosen / leere Farbkübel / „unverwüstliche Plastiksäcke" stehen. Eine Bepflanzung wird nicht vorgenommen / da die im Freiland ...
W4257
24.05.2011
PROPOSAL FOR THE NEW COLUMBUS AVENUE COMMUNITY ENTRANCE PLAZA 1998 - Kristin Jones / Andrew Ginzel
WWW
KRISTIN JONES / ANDREW GINZEL PROPOSAL FOR THE NEW COLUMBUS AVENUE COMMUNITY ENTRANCE PLAZA 1998 American Museum of Natural History, New York City. Proposal for the new Columbus Avenue Community Entrance Plaza. Polsheck and Partners, Architects ...
KRISTIN JONES / ANDREW GINZEL PROPOSAL FOR THE NEW COLUMBUS AVENUE COMMUNITY ENTRANCE PLAZA 1998 American Museum of Natural History, New York City. Proposal for the new Columbus Avenue Community Entrance Plaza. Polsheck and Partners, Architects ...
W5153
24.09.2012
Internal Painting Valuable gift - James Eisen
WWW
Among my recent Project Internal Painting Valuable gift, I examined forms of knowledge and Power, the transference of idea to object from one work to another. These works sit within a wider strategy of enacting associative thought into form. More directly ...
Among my recent Project Internal Painting Valuable gift, I examined forms of knowledge and Power, the transference of idea to object from one work to another. These works sit within a wider strategy of enacting associative thought into form. More directly ...
W4306
24.05.2011
LOVE IS IN THE AIR - Zilvinas Kempinas + Architect Bettina Zerza
WWW
LOVE IS IN THE AIR Im Jahr 1960 beschrieb Neil Armstrong, der erste Mensch auf dem Mond, aus dem Fenster seines Raumschiffs die Erde als „eine große blaue Murmel“. Ort Die Fluggastbrücke ist ein O ...
LOVE IS IN THE AIR Im Jahr 1960 beschrieb Neil Armstrong, der erste Mensch auf dem Mond, aus dem Fenster seines Raumschiffs die Erde als „eine große blaue Murmel“. Ort Die Fluggastbrücke ist ein O ...
W5340
18.10.2012
Didaskalia - Helly Mizrai
WWW
"Didaskalia" is a site-specific installation. Didaskalia divided into two acts, The two acts are almost similar, in Didaskalia the work creates repetitions by multiplying the three first spaces twice. About the work In the suggested work I contin ...
"Didaskalia" is a site-specific installation. Didaskalia divided into two acts, The two acts are almost similar, in Didaskalia the work creates repetitions by multiplying the three first spaces twice. About the work In the suggested work I contin ...
W3893
20.05.2011
The Divina Commedia triptych - Javier Toro Blum
WWW
The Divina Commedia triptych is a sculpture project, consisting in three ovoid metal cast pieces. Each piece has engraved in low relief (1.5mm) one part of the Dante Alighieri's Divina Commedia: Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso. ...
The Divina Commedia triptych is a sculpture project, consisting in three ovoid metal cast pieces. Each piece has engraved in low relief (1.5mm) one part of the Dante Alighieri's Divina Commedia: Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso. ...
W5230
08.10.2012
When Attitude becomes Action - Jenny Dunseath
WWW
J. Dunseath 2012 When Attitude becomes Action: unrealised project proposal Referencing a series of articles where Flash Art Internationalinvites writers and curators to discuss landmark exhibitions from the past, I propose to amend historical exhibitions ...
J. Dunseath 2012 When Attitude becomes Action: unrealised project proposal Referencing a series of articles where Flash Art Internationalinvites writers and curators to discuss landmark exhibitions from the past, I propose to amend historical exhibitions ...
W4039
22.05.2011
Transcendence , 2010 - Shuli Sade
WWW
Transcendence , 2010, by Shuli Sadé 60 photographic panels of 20 x 20 Inches each, printed on duraclear, fused glass/acrylic, natural light/ suspended to create moving shadows “Tran.scen.dence completes a cycle of the envisioned and the built. It ...
Transcendence , 2010, by Shuli Sadé 60 photographic panels of 20 x 20 Inches each, printed on duraclear, fused glass/acrylic, natural light/ suspended to create moving shadows “Tran.scen.dence completes a cycle of the envisioned and the built. It ...
W5121
18.09.2012
Mo White
WWW
In 2009 I made a film whose completion has been continually postponed. I made the film quickly with materials to hand, in Super 8 format. The making of the work was an immediate reaction and response to a small event. ‘In March 2009 I bought a lime ...
In 2009 I made a film whose completion has been continually postponed. I made the film quickly with materials to hand, in Super 8 format. The making of the work was an immediate reaction and response to a small event. ‘In March 2009 I bought a lime ...
W4832
07.08.2012
Will there still be sugar after the Rebellion? - Simon Le Ruez & Maud Haya Baviera
WWW
Project title: Will there still be sugar after the Rebellion? As a way to further our collaborative practice we are interested in using Site Platform to create a series of short videos. Taking a piece of literature, a painting or a film still as a st ...
Project title: Will there still be sugar after the Rebellion? As a way to further our collaborative practice we are interested in using Site Platform to create a series of short videos. Taking a piece of literature, a painting or a film still as a st ...
W3700
17.05.2011
Las Spratlys Project - Jevijoe Vitug
WWW
Las Spratlys Project The unrealized project Las Spratlys is based on Spratly Islands, a disputed islands claimed by China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The initial concept is to activate these islands by creating a joint venture agreement ...
Las Spratlys Project The unrealized project Las Spratlys is based on Spratly Islands, a disputed islands claimed by China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The initial concept is to activate these islands by creating a joint venture agreement ...
W10630
09.07.2014
Stitch In Time - Joel Leibowitz
WWW
20 Foot High x 12 foot circumference Spool of Thread; 3" foam core thread / yellow/ aluminum spool . The large spool of thread is positioned next to Cleopatra's "Needle" ( obelisk ) in Central Park , NYC. Location behind Metropolitan Museum of Art. ...
20 Foot High x 12 foot circumference Spool of Thread; 3" foam core thread / yellow/ aluminum spool . The large spool of thread is positioned next to Cleopatra's "Needle" ( obelisk ) in Central Park , NYC. Location behind Metropolitan Museum of Art. ...
W5162
25.09.2012
Heather Lewis
WWW
An installation that mimics the rising and setting of the sun, condensed to perhaps 5 minutes – a lamp moving in a 30 ft arc (15 ft radius). It shows the effects of variable light and therefore shadows, on various objects and situations. ...
An installation that mimics the rising and setting of the sun, condensed to perhaps 5 minutes – a lamp moving in a 30 ft arc (15 ft radius). It shows the effects of variable light and therefore shadows, on various objects and situations. ...
W3681
16.05.2011
Nick Crowe and Ian Rawlinson
WWW
The Blame is a proposal for an inflatable sign to be ferried around the island of Cyprus by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot tug boats. The sign will be made from multi-coloured letters mounted on a floating pontoon and stand around 4 metres high. ...
The Blame is a proposal for an inflatable sign to be ferried around the island of Cyprus by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot tug boats. The sign will be made from multi-coloured letters mounted on a floating pontoon and stand around 4 metres high. ...
W4607
25.05.2011
Latent Online gallery of unrealised art works launched  - Blaithin Quinn - Latent
WWW
Latent Online gallery of unrealised art works launched Press Release: Dublin, Ireland; 25 May 2011 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Latent is a curated, web-based gallery that reveals the often forgotten, postponed or edited ideas of unrealised art works. ...
Latent Online gallery of unrealised art works launched Press Release: Dublin, Ireland; 25 May 2011 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Latent is a curated, web-based gallery that reveals the often forgotten, postponed or edited ideas of unrealised art works. ...