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.

Untitled, modeled after the Leipzig Völkerschlachtdenkmal...  - Jenny Holzer

Uncompleted 1966 - and on  - John Armleder

No title, as the project only reached proposal stage - Rikrit Tiravanija

Unbetitelt, Gänse-Projekt + Noch unbetitelt , " Durch den Mund sehen " + Kartoffeln  - Carsten Holler

The pyramids...to be seen to be believed - Jonathan Monk

Square Depression - Bruce Nauman

PROPOSALl + VOORSTEL - Guillame Bijl

The World Record - General Idea

Project 1 + Project 2 - Simryn Gill

The bridge according to Jeong-a's dream - Koo Jeong

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W5445
20.10.2012
I AM BEING SERIOUS, THIS IS SERIOUS. - Sarah Witt
WWW
Supplemental thoughts about this piece, and why it has remained an unrealized project A few months ago, I had a studio visit with a faculty member of the residency I was attending at the Banff Centre in Canada. He gave me some very poignant advice (I e ...
Supplemental thoughts about this piece, and why it has remained an unrealized project A few months ago, I had a studio visit with a faculty member of the residency I was attending at the Banff Centre in Canada. He gave me some very poignant advice (I e ...
W5381
19.10.2012
Two projects for the World Government Building  - Samuil Stoyanov
WWW
Two projects for the World Government Building by Samuil Stoyanov – visual artist These are two of three objects which I made 2009 – 2010, as a metaphoric, utopian projects for the future building of the World Government Office. This institu ...
Two projects for the World Government Building by Samuil Stoyanov – visual artist These are two of three objects which I made 2009 – 2010, as a metaphoric, utopian projects for the future building of the World Government Office. This institu ...
W4210
24.05.2011
Way of the Closs - Branko Mejač
WWW
Presenting to you my nees project" Way of the Closs" which war taking shape from 1996 to 2003. Project was chosen for exhibition in a gallery "Family" in Ljubljana (Slovenia), but it was later turned down without any official explanation. Fourteen Stati ...
Presenting to you my nees project" Way of the Closs" which war taking shape from 1996 to 2003. Project was chosen for exhibition in a gallery "Family" in Ljubljana (Slovenia), but it was later turned down without any official explanation. Fourteen Stati ...
W3494
11.05.2011
The New And The Always Same: Toward New Geographies of Habit - Elvia Pyburn-Wilk
WWW
The New And The Always Same: Toward New Geographies of Habit “The street signs for our event are all hand-written. The directions are painted over signs from past events. These handwritten signs are like the bus line that no longer runs.”1 --Phili ...
The New And The Always Same: Toward New Geographies of Habit “The street signs for our event are all hand-written. The directions are painted over signs from past events. These handwritten signs are like the bus line that no longer runs.”1 --Phili ...
W5465
21.10.2012
Letters from the Earth - Joe Cantrell
WWW
a cross-generational piece that repurposes electronic waste into technologically mediated messages to future generations. Plastic comprises a vast amount of the material used to make the electronic consumer products that have become so much a part of our ...
a cross-generational piece that repurposes electronic waste into technologically mediated messages to future generations. Plastic comprises a vast amount of the material used to make the electronic consumer products that have become so much a part of our ...
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, ...
W4369
25.05.2011
Importance of some Note - Qi.ng
WWW
Importance of some Note 12x8" Digital capture of graphite on 3x3" scrap paper I once had a mentor who would grouse on about the term 'art projects', as though these were something that had a distinct end and finish. The debate would always return to ...
Importance of some Note 12x8" Digital capture of graphite on 3x3" scrap paper I once had a mentor who would grouse on about the term 'art projects', as though these were something that had a distinct end and finish. The debate would always return to ...
D10827
09.09.2012
Stajuda - Katarzyna Kozyra
DAAD
When my professor from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, who was a very important person for me, was dying in the same hospital where my father died I got the idea to sit naked on a naked dead body and play on a harpsichord. Stajuda, that was his name, ...
When my professor from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, who was a very important person for me, was dying in the same hospital where my father died I got the idea to sit naked on a naked dead body and play on a harpsichord. Stajuda, that was his name, ...
W4769
29.05.2011
sam still
WWW
911, 9 + 11 = 20. A series of 20 paintings, with 10 completed inspired by the sadness of 911. ...
911, 9 + 11 = 20. A series of 20 paintings, with 10 completed inspired by the sadness of 911. ...
W3957
20.05.2011
Chain Link Fence - Michael Arata
WWW
Chain Link Fence(space between) Graphite and paint on diamond shapes made of styrofoam and masking tape. The Chain Link Fence project represents the negative space between the wires that make up the steel fence material. The diamond shapes are some tim ...
Chain Link Fence(space between) Graphite and paint on diamond shapes made of styrofoam and masking tape. The Chain Link Fence project represents the negative space between the wires that make up the steel fence material. The diamond shapes are some tim ...
W4419
25.05.2011
Things we never did  - beate rathmayr
WWW
Things we never did An archiv of unrealized ideas Idea / concept: Beate Rathmayr In december 2010 an archive at the artist association MAERZ showed things artists never did. For some weeks written, spoken and drafted fragments showed unfulfilled and u ...
Things we never did An archiv of unrealized ideas Idea / concept: Beate Rathmayr In december 2010 an archive at the artist association MAERZ showed things artists never did. For some weeks written, spoken and drafted fragments showed unfulfilled and u ...
W5100
13.09.2012
je vois passer les roses - Copa & Sordes
WWW
One more idea for ornaments in public space and in private life. See PDF ...
One more idea for ornaments in public space and in private life. See PDF ...
U9533
01.01.1992
AUSSICHTSTURM, HOLZHAUS (WOHNHAUS), SCHWIMMBECKEN, FREIE FAHRT - Maria Eichhorn
Unbuilt Roads
AUSSICHTSTURM Auf der höchsten Erhebung einer Landschaft einen 33 Meter hohen Aussichtsturm in einer offenen Konstruktion (Stahlskelettbauweise) bauen. Mit standigen Offnungszeiten. HOLZHAUS (WOHNHAUS) In einer Gegend mit wenigen oder keinen Hau ...
AUSSICHTSTURM Auf der höchsten Erhebung einer Landschaft einen 33 Meter hohen Aussichtsturm in einer offenen Konstruktion (Stahlskelettbauweise) bauen. Mit standigen Offnungszeiten. HOLZHAUS (WOHNHAUS) In einer Gegend mit wenigen oder keinen Hau ...
W4698
26.05.2011
Jacqueline Hoang Nguyen
WWW
As part of my residency at L’appartement 22 between November 24th - December 14th, 2009 I intended to conduct a research-based residency. The residency studio/apartment is located across the street from the Moroccan Parliament.... ...
As part of my residency at L’appartement 22 between November 24th - December 14th, 2009 I intended to conduct a research-based residency. The residency studio/apartment is located across the street from the Moroccan Parliament.... ...
W3903
20.05.2011
A dream finds the way - Новогребельская Мария
WWW
Artist’s Statement “A dream finds the way” A.S.Grin “Movement” Once I realized that I am near the truth and this made me free. It is the best if one does in his life something that brings pleasure, what interesting is. ...
Artist’s Statement “A dream finds the way” A.S.Grin “Movement” Once I realized that I am near the truth and this made me free. It is the best if one does in his life something that brings pleasure, what interesting is. ...
W4124
23.05.2011
Here/There - Matthew Slaats
WWW
Here/There Matthew Slaats Project Proposal Here/There is a virtual 3D exploration of the spatial, temporal, economic and physical relationships between environments in North and South America. Project Description Here/There aims to illustr ...
Here/There Matthew Slaats Project Proposal Here/There is a virtual 3D exploration of the spatial, temporal, economic and physical relationships between environments in North and South America. Project Description Here/There aims to illustr ...
W5022
31.08.2012
Hotel Libertas - Peter Friedl
WWW
Hotel Libertas, 2003 Peter Friedl Upon invitation from Catherine David, curating an exhibition for the Museum of Modern Art in Dubrovnik, a series of altogether six lectures and presentations took place in 2002/03. In connection with my stay and lec ...
Hotel Libertas, 2003 Peter Friedl Upon invitation from Catherine David, curating an exhibition for the Museum of Modern Art in Dubrovnik, a series of altogether six lectures and presentations took place in 2002/03. In connection with my stay and lec ...
W5319
18.10.2012
Islay Tower - Isaac Sullivan
WWW
Islay Tower is a would-be real estate development and online visual calendar: a tower of air, in the Inner Hebrides, that will be gradually made visible by images. My attempt to initiate this project in June 2012 failed due to transportation problems I en ...
Islay Tower is a would-be real estate development and online visual calendar: a tower of air, in the Inner Hebrides, that will be gradually made visible by images. My attempt to initiate this project in June 2012 failed due to transportation problems I en ...
W5063
04.09.2012
TheStore - Tine Wilde
WWW
TheStore: The Construct of a Life Package. Proposal for Arhus Kunstbygning 2011. The exhibition space is piled with boxes, containing (fragments of) works of art, gathered around a wooden framework. The visitor is invited to fill up the framework with ...
TheStore: The Construct of a Life Package. Proposal for Arhus Kunstbygning 2011. The exhibition space is piled with boxes, containing (fragments of) works of art, gathered around a wooden framework. The visitor is invited to fill up the framework with ...
W5080
06.09.2012
Urban Void 05  - Toornend & Post
WWW
Urban Void 05 (Villa), Am Grossen Wannsee, Berlin (D) 2006 (lambdaprint 1665×4190 pixels) Urban Voids offer spatial relief, unexpected views and twisted collective memories by the apparently simple act of removal; Urban Voids are architectures antipod ...
Urban Void 05 (Villa), Am Grossen Wannsee, Berlin (D) 2006 (lambdaprint 1665×4190 pixels) Urban Voids offer spatial relief, unexpected views and twisted collective memories by the apparently simple act of removal; Urban Voids are architectures antipod ...
W4914
14.08.2012
Possible Areas of Joint Action - Alec Steadman
WWW
The Experimental Art Action group present: Possible Areas of Joint Action A “Due to an electrical fault at the enlightenment gallery…” production 01/01/2013 - 01/01/2014 For the period of 1 year, beginning at midnight on the 01/01/2013 and e ...
The Experimental Art Action group present: Possible Areas of Joint Action A “Due to an electrical fault at the enlightenment gallery…” production 01/01/2013 - 01/01/2014 For the period of 1 year, beginning at midnight on the 01/01/2013 and e ...
U9784
01.01.1993
Grand Concours International D'Architecture  - Sol Lewitt
Unbuilt Roads
TITRE DU PROJET: Grand Concours D'International D'architecture ANNEE: 1993/1994 DESCRIPTIF: Concours de plage ouvert surinvitation a des equipe D' Architectes de renomíe internationale. Objet = construire en untemps limiteé entre lama ...
TITRE DU PROJET: Grand Concours D'International D'architecture ANNEE: 1993/1994 DESCRIPTIF: Concours de plage ouvert surinvitation a des equipe D' Architectes de renomíe internationale. Objet = construire en untemps limiteé entre lama ...
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 ...
U9503
01.01.1997
NON REALIZED PROJECTS - Christo and Jeanne-Claude
Unbuilt Roads
1964-66 Two Lower Manhattan Wrapped Buildings, Project for New York, U.S.A. 1967 Wrapped Galleria Nazionale, Project for Rome, Italy. Ponte Sant' Angelo Wrapped, Project for Rome, Italy. Wrapped Trees, Project for Washington Pa ...
1964-66 Two Lower Manhattan Wrapped Buildings, Project for New York, U.S.A. 1967 Wrapped Galleria Nazionale, Project for Rome, Italy. Ponte Sant' Angelo Wrapped, Project for Rome, Italy. Wrapped Trees, Project for Washington Pa ...
W4102
23.05.2011
IMNOW (I-aM-NOW) - Shlomit Lehavi
WWW
IMNOW is an emergent identity composed of digital footprints across major social media platforms that challenges and explores current definitions of space (public vs. private, physical vs. virtual,) and time, with regard to contemporary notions of friends ...
IMNOW is an emergent identity composed of digital footprints across major social media platforms that challenges and explores current definitions of space (public vs. private, physical vs. virtual,) and time, with regard to contemporary notions of friends ...
W4847
08.08.2012
In Theater - James Brendan Williams
WWW
In Theater I’d like to propose a sculptural installation of silent television monitors each displaying a fixed view of a performance stage from around the world. Forty Sony Cubes or Hantarex EQs are to be stacked in the form of a four-sided pyrami ...
In Theater I’d like to propose a sculptural installation of silent television monitors each displaying a fixed view of a performance stage from around the world. Forty Sony Cubes or Hantarex EQs are to be stacked in the form of a four-sided pyrami ...