#
Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
U9303
01.06.1990
PROPOSAL FOR SEATTLE ARTS COMMISSION, IN PUBLIC - Chris Burden
Unbuilt Roads
  • I propose that a typical working fisherman's boat 30 to 50 feet in length be attached to the side of the new Seattle Art Museum building. The boat's bow would point skyward, it's keel resting along one side of the building . A cable from the roof to the b ...

    I propose that a typical working fisherman's boat 30 to 50 feet in length be attached to the side of the new Seattle Art Museum building. The boat's bow would point skyward, it's keel resting along one side of the building . A cable from the roof to the boats bow, much like an anchor line, would hold the boat in place. (see enclosed illustration.)

    A fisherman takes a fishing boat out to sea and catches fish. (horizontal). An artist takes the same boat, attaches it to the side of the new museum building, and makes art. (vertical).

    The same boat - different directions - equally real. A working fishing boat on the side of the Seattle Art Museum becomes a sign post to everyman as to what art is, and where art is. This project, by proposing to incorporate the new , Venturi designed Seattle Art Museum building as it's armature, also addresses the dichotomy of the museum's buildings function to serve both as an architectural masterpiece (Art), and as a mere shed to protect the contents (the Art stored inside). Ultimately, putting a fishing boat on the side of the museum's building becomes a testimony to the seriousness of art.

    Placing this working fishing boat on the outside of the museum building in this radical configuration is an attempt to make art that pays tribute to an important part:of Seattle's heritage, (fishing and the ocean), and intergrates this hetitage with the celebration of the opening of the new Seattle Art Museum building.

    This project was never realized due to the vehement objections of the architect, Robert Venturi.

    I propose that a typical working fisherman's boat 30 to 50 feet in length be attached to the side of the new Seattle Art Museum building. The boat's bow would point skyward, it's keel resting along one side of the building . A cable from the roof to the b ...

    I propose that a typical working fisherman's boat 30 to 50 feet in length be attached to the side of the new Seattle Art Museum building. The boat's bow would point skyward, it's keel resting along one side of the building . A cable from the roof to the boats bow, much like an anchor line, would hold the boat in place. (see enclosed illustration.)

    A fisherman takes a fishing boat out to sea and catches fish. (horizontal). An artist takes the same boat, attaches it to the side of the new museum building, and makes art. (vertical).

    The same boat - different directions - equally real. A working fishing boat on the side of the Seattle Art Museum becomes a sign post to everyman as to what art is, and where art is. This project, by proposing to incorporate the new , Venturi designed Seattle Art Museum building as it's armature, also addresses the dichotomy of the museum's buildings function to serve both as an architectural masterpiece (Art), and as a mere shed to protect the contents (the Art stored inside). Ultimately, putting a fishing boat on the side of the museum's building becomes a testimony to the seriousness of art.

    Placing this working fishing boat on the outside of the museum building in this radical configuration is an attempt to make art that pays tribute to an important part:of Seattle's heritage, (fishing and the ocean), and intergrates this hetitage with the celebration of the opening of the new Seattle Art Museum building.

    This project was never realized due to the vehement objections of the architect, Robert Venturi.