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.

Unrealized Projects - Jonas Meckas

The lmprobable Flow - Larry Bell

Merci, Thank you, Danke: Les 2 sujets  - Thomas Hirschorn

Post Photographic apparatus - Steven Pippin

PROPOSALl + VOORSTEL - Guillame Bijl

Festival du film de famille - Pierre Huyghe

Relatum (Iron Plate and Stone) - Lee Ufan

2 Architecture Towers - Robert Irwin

Grand Concours International D'Architecture  - Sol Lewitt

Project pour le parc de sculpture de Vassiviére - Paul-Armand Gette

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W3497
11.05.2011
Labyrinths - Ruben Gutierrez
WWW
Life Size Mazes to be displayed in a public area. Structures where our demons can be confronted and overcome http://www.rubengutierrez.net/project/13-labyrinths ...
Life Size Mazes to be displayed in a public area. Structures where our demons can be confronted and overcome http://www.rubengutierrez.net/project/13-labyrinths ...
U9843
01.01.1996
Aguapracasa - Gabriel Orozco
Unbuilt Roads
House with half sphere swimming pool in the center (eventually reasons why the work has not been realised) No Time Previous Publications (?) No Existing Documents (photos, drawings, models): Drawing Other remarks Designed after a v ...
House with half sphere swimming pool in the center (eventually reasons why the work has not been realised) No Time Previous Publications (?) No Existing Documents (photos, drawings, models): Drawing Other remarks Designed after a v ...
W4301
24.05.2011
“UDLU” Underground Desert Living Unit - Reynard Loki
WWW
“UDLU” Underground Desert Living Unit The UDLU (Underground Desert Living Unit) is a conceptual single-family dwelling installed below the surface of a desert ecosystem. PROJECT Create and install “UDLU” demo house in the Chihuahuan Dese ...
“UDLU” Underground Desert Living Unit The UDLU (Underground Desert Living Unit) is a conceptual single-family dwelling installed below the surface of a desert ecosystem. PROJECT Create and install “UDLU” demo house in the Chihuahuan Dese ...
D10828
09.09.2012
Stage-Corridor +Secuestro Colectivo + Demolition with chronometred explosive-charges + Meeting Points  - DoloresZinny & Juan Maidagan
DAAD
Stage-Corridor,1992 Theater director Palma asked us to design the stage for a theater piece. In a crossed confluence to meet at the stage four glass corridors corresponding to the 4 actors of the piece to make visible the transformation actor/characte ...
Stage-Corridor,1992 Theater director Palma asked us to design the stage for a theater piece. In a crossed confluence to meet at the stage four glass corridors corresponding to the 4 actors of the piece to make visible the transformation actor/characte ...
W4214
24.05.2011
Strayed in Schizophrenic Landscapes of a Celibate Machine - Atelier Uraiqat
WWW
Strayed in Schizophrenic Landscapes of a Celibate Machine Atelier Uraiqat Strayed in Schizophrenic Landscapes of a Celibate Machine is the manifestation of the struggle between the desiring individual and controlling society, where desire acts as the ...
Strayed in Schizophrenic Landscapes of a Celibate Machine Atelier Uraiqat Strayed in Schizophrenic Landscapes of a Celibate Machine is the manifestation of the struggle between the desiring individual and controlling society, where desire acts as the ...
W4183
24.05.2011
Green Times Square - Holly Tempo
WWW
Green Times Square Holly Tempo In late 2007, I was invited to participate in Green-er Sessions: Sketching Solutions to Climate Change, an exhibition in which artists, scientists and architects presented solutions for climate change. I submitted a pr ...
Green Times Square Holly Tempo In late 2007, I was invited to participate in Green-er Sessions: Sketching Solutions to Climate Change, an exhibition in which artists, scientists and architects presented solutions for climate change. I submitted a pr ...
W5375
19.10.2012
Trail Blazing Awesomeness: A submission to create an interactive hiking experience - K. Alex Johnson
WWW
A submission to create an interactive hiking experience ...
A submission to create an interactive hiking experience ...
W4227
24.05.2011
"5.9-by-8.5-inch Exhibition" - Toru Hayashi
WWW
"5.9-by-8.5-inch Exhibition" Selecting one of sketchbooks from my drawing project Equivocal Landscape* Publishing the same format (5.9 x 8.5 in. and 72 images of 144 pages) book as the sketchbook of Equivocal Landscape (at least 72 copies) ...
"5.9-by-8.5-inch Exhibition" Selecting one of sketchbooks from my drawing project Equivocal Landscape* Publishing the same format (5.9 x 8.5 in. and 72 images of 144 pages) book as the sketchbook of Equivocal Landscape (at least 72 copies) ...
W4726
26.05.2011
The Centralizer - Scott Richardson
WWW
The Centralizer The inspiration for this device came about to address the plight of the city-dweller trapped in a densely populated urban environment, who needed to decompress, ground themselves, and/or get in touch with nature and natural rhythms, a ...
The Centralizer The inspiration for this device came about to address the plight of the city-dweller trapped in a densely populated urban environment, who needed to decompress, ground themselves, and/or get in touch with nature and natural rhythms, a ...
W4657
25.05.2011
BLUE LASER LIGHT PIECE - Karen Gunderson
WWW
BLUE LASER LIGHT PIECE The location could be any small town or an area of a big town which has buildings that house many different religions. Sites: The highest point on each of the religious buildings. Materials: Blue laser light mechanisms, power ...
BLUE LASER LIGHT PIECE The location could be any small town or an area of a big town which has buildings that house many different religions. Sites: The highest point on each of the religious buildings. Materials: Blue laser light mechanisms, power ...
W4824
07.08.2012
1nflow - hamilton monteiro
WWW
improvisations on an idea... it is called 1nflow... ...
improvisations on an idea... it is called 1nflow... ...
W4324
24.05.2011
Whisper – Murmur – Howl  - Mitya Nesterov
WWW
Whisper – Murmur – Howl Installation Project Framework It all started a few years ago when I came across several sculptured heads lying down all messy in a back yard of an art college my ex-wife attended, just like scraps of junk. I photograp ...
Whisper – Murmur – Howl Installation Project Framework It all started a few years ago when I came across several sculptured heads lying down all messy in a back yard of an art college my ex-wife attended, just like scraps of junk. I photograp ...
W4372
25.05.2011
Ren Jie
WWW
In Chinese tradition,touch the land with feet is very important to one's health and life. If you are far away from the natural land,the soil,the water,the grass,you will become uncomfortable and sick. But today,urbanization make more and more peopl ...
In Chinese tradition,touch the land with feet is very important to one's health and life. If you are far away from the natural land,the soil,the water,the grass,you will become uncomfortable and sick. But today,urbanization make more and more peopl ...
W5104
13.09.2012
LOST IN THE LIGHT | the FUTURE IS the PAST | simple TENSE - Barbara Fragogna
WWW
LOST IN THE LIGHT | the FUTURE IS the PAST | simple TENSE mixed media installation CONCEPT LOST IN A LIGHT-BOX We are used to be lost in the dark. The dark represents the subconscious, the death, the universe, the nothing, the danger and in general ...
LOST IN THE LIGHT | the FUTURE IS the PAST | simple TENSE mixed media installation CONCEPT LOST IN A LIGHT-BOX We are used to be lost in the dark. The dark represents the subconscious, the death, the universe, the nothing, the danger and in general ...
W5120
18.09.2012
Future Perfect - Deirdre M. Donoghue
WWW
Future Perfect Future Perfect is an archive, a library and an exchange centre consisting of memories contributed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Contributions include memories inscribed in various ways; short texts, objects and images with short ...
Future Perfect Future Perfect is an archive, a library and an exchange centre consisting of memories contributed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Contributions include memories inscribed in various ways; short texts, objects and images with short ...
W3820
19.05.2011
ArtPOTLATCH - Exhibition as Test Lab/ Art as Gift - Rebecca Keller
WWW
POTLATCH A potlatch is a tradition carried on by many NW coast Indian tribes. The chief would celebrate a significant event (birth, marriage) by hosting a Potlatch. A huge feast would be provided, and gifts such as blankets, etc. would be given to the ...
POTLATCH A potlatch is a tradition carried on by many NW coast Indian tribes. The chief would celebrate a significant event (birth, marriage) by hosting a Potlatch. A huge feast would be provided, and gifts such as blankets, etc. would be given to the ...
W3786
18.05.2011
Broadside & Plan For A New American Home: Volumes 5 & 6 in 6 Volume Artist Book Project - Jordan West
WWW
To The Agency Of Unrealized Projects May 18, 2011 Dear Curator, I have submitted two projects for your consideration. These are both Artists' Books that I have not been realized at the present time. They are two in a series of six artists' books ...
To The Agency Of Unrealized Projects May 18, 2011 Dear Curator, I have submitted two projects for your consideration. These are both Artists' Books that I have not been realized at the present time. They are two in a series of six artists' books ...
W5158
24.09.2012
"Metrópolis" and "City Lights" - Alexis Duque
WWW
These are Acrylic on canvas paintings. Metropolis 48x24 Inches City Lights 1 36x48 Inches You can see thses images and more at: www.alexisduque.net Alexis Duque: Metrópolis In his new series of paintings, Alexis Duque presents us with an idea ...
These are Acrylic on canvas paintings. Metropolis 48x24 Inches City Lights 1 36x48 Inches You can see thses images and more at: www.alexisduque.net Alexis Duque: Metrópolis In his new series of paintings, Alexis Duque presents us with an idea ...
W5037
01.09.2012
Cultivating the Field of the Absurd - Barbara Nemitz
WWW
Title: " Cultivating the Field of the Absurd" The work is to be made in the landscape. In an open part with a large plain - some shrubberies and trees may be around - an extensive embroidery is to be seen on the ground. It is made out of silky shimmer ...
Title: " Cultivating the Field of the Absurd" The work is to be made in the landscape. In an open part with a large plain - some shrubberies and trees may be around - an extensive embroidery is to be seen on the ground. It is made out of silky shimmer ...
W3640
14.05.2011
Proposal for a cooperation between a university and myself to solar light up a village in Lebanon.  - Roula Sorour
WWW
I never received any reply to my mail and therefore the project is in hybernation mode for now. Dear Professors, I read about the 2 jordanian bedouin illiterate women who were sent to India for 6 month to train as Solar engineers . Something similar ...
I never received any reply to my mail and therefore the project is in hybernation mode for now. Dear Professors, I read about the 2 jordanian bedouin illiterate women who were sent to India for 6 month to train as Solar engineers . Something similar ...
W4789
10.06.2011
Utopia as a Critical Tool: Terje Nicolaisens Proposals 1995-2005 - Ingvild Krogvig
WWW
UTOPIA AS A CRITICAL TOOL: TERJE NICOLAISENS PROPOSALS 1995-2005 By Ingvild Krogvig In a drawn situation report from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition at the Astrup Fearnley Museum in 2010, a female guide in a short, flowing mini-skirt is showing art t ...
UTOPIA AS A CRITICAL TOOL: TERJE NICOLAISENS PROPOSALS 1995-2005 By Ingvild Krogvig In a drawn situation report from the Bjarne Melgaard exhibition at the Astrup Fearnley Museum in 2010, a female guide in a short, flowing mini-skirt is showing art t ...
W4758
27.05.2011
A Witch Diary - Megumi Shimizu
WWW
“A witch diary _ great grandmother _” When I was a child, I lived in the grandmother house for about 6 month. Her house is very old wooden Japanese style home. And the main gate is opened only for guests coming; usually ...
“A witch diary _ great grandmother _” When I was a child, I lived in the grandmother house for about 6 month. Her house is very old wooden Japanese style home. And the main gate is opened only for guests coming; usually ...
W4320
24.05.2011
Unrealized Project Title: Found Object: Robert Allen  - Antoinette LaFarge
WWW
Unrealized Project Title: Found Object: Robert Allen Initially proposed: 1991 Artist: Antoinette LaFarge Please refer to the accompanying JPEG from the original proposal. One day in 1991, I came across a flyer for a juried exhibition entitled “ ...
Unrealized Project Title: Found Object: Robert Allen Initially proposed: 1991 Artist: Antoinette LaFarge Please refer to the accompanying JPEG from the original proposal. One day in 1991, I came across a flyer for a juried exhibition entitled “ ...
U9742
26.03.1997
Theater der Leere - Werner Ruhnau and Yves Klein
Unbuilt Roads
Sehr geehrte Frau Sabolewski, auf Veranlassung von Herrn Obrist übersende ich Ihnen anbei die Kataloge " Yves Klein/Werner Ruhnau" und "Baukunst" . Dort finden Sie Zeichnungen, Modellfotos etc. , die Sie gern verwenden können. Das "Feuer-Wasser-Lu ...
Sehr geehrte Frau Sabolewski, auf Veranlassung von Herrn Obrist übersende ich Ihnen anbei die Kataloge " Yves Klein/Werner Ruhnau" und "Baukunst" . Dort finden Sie Zeichnungen, Modellfotos etc. , die Sie gern verwenden können. Das "Feuer-Wasser-Lu ...
W4247
24.05.2011
Writing on the wall - Eric Fong
WWW
This project is inspired by the political, economic and cultural changes in China and Germany in 1989 and after. While East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Romania moved towards democracy in 1989, China killed pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Squ ...
This project is inspired by the political, economic and cultural changes in China and Germany in 1989 and after. While East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Romania moved towards democracy in 1989, China killed pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Squ ...
W3953
20.05.2011
Fucked by the Torque of the Turning Earth - Unknown
WWW
A Foucault pendulum is hung from the ceiling of the NYC Guggenheim. The pendulum is connected to a small set of gears that are attached to a fake penis built into a chair. As the earth turns on its axis, the Foucault pendulum turns. As the earth turns, ...
A Foucault pendulum is hung from the ceiling of the NYC Guggenheim. The pendulum is connected to a small set of gears that are attached to a fake penis built into a chair. As the earth turns on its axis, the Foucault pendulum turns. As the earth turns, ...