Assemblog of Michael deMeng: Art Abandonment.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Art Abandonment.

Hey everyone, my name is Michael deMeng and recently I started a little group on Facebook, called Art Abandonment (rather it started itself) that involves abandoning ones art in random public places. It's something that I've done for a number of years now, albeit infrequently, usually on beverage napkins and the like. About ten or so years ago I would walk to the same place by a river and leave a little charcoal drawing. So recently I started this activity up again…leaving little sketches with a note on the back. Here's a few I dropped off in Eugene Oregon.

After posting this images on Facebook a few of FB friends recommended the idea of a group for like minded individuals to share their exploits. Thus Art Abandonment was born. So now we have a group to see what treats have been left behind and where…and…hopefully…a way for the finders to share the fate of the art. In the first week of its creation we went from zero to 2500 members. Crazy? Right? Woo hoo!The concept of leaving art behind is in no way an invention of mine…I know a number of artists that have done this kind of "guerilla art" in various forms….matchbooks…or more grandios offerings

A few ideas behind this:

I think it's important to be able let one's art live a life beyond its creator. I love imagining what becomes of my art after it is gone…whether given or sold.

Some folks can't seem to let go of their work…even when they sell it. This is a great way to learn to move on.

It's also a way sharing work with an unsuspecting patron. In this day and age when money is tight, this is a way of encouraging folks to stay involved in the arts.

This is good for the soul. A random kind act.

You'll find it's a bit addictive…and fun

So here is how to play if you wanted to join in:

All you have to do is make a piece of art. (as simple or as elegant as you like)

Write a little note on it explaining that it is a gift

Also mention that if the finder would like to share info about its fate they can contact you directly i.e. email. Then you can share the info with us if you are so inclined. Its not a bad idea to leave you're web address contact info…you never know…you might have created a new patron.

Photograph what you're leaving behind

Then leave it…walk away…run…try not to get caught.

Then on Facebook share the location and photo of your gift with the rest of us. Here's the group address: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment/

Keep your fingers crossed that someone lets us know what became of it. I certainly doubt that everyone will take the time to inform the group. A few artists have already been contacted by the "finders".

Here's a few things that you might find helpful. Some folks have created stickers or notes to attach to there left behind goodies. Here a re a few sample notes:

This is a fun one is by Nichola Battilana

And here is sample messages that Abandoneer Nancy Smith came up with:

This is a gift!!! It has been secretly placed here among everyday items simply for you to discover and enjoy.

I am one of the many artists who want to share a small slice of what we love to do. If you are so inclined, please send a message to this address to inform us of it's fate.

XXXXXX@XXXX.com (enter an email address here that you can receive messages at and then repost the message you receive on the Art Abandonment page for everyone to enjoy!)

(The other option is to use the email address directly for this fb page, but unless they are a member of the page it will not work. That address is: ArtAbandonment@groups.facebook.com)

Come Join Us at www.facebook.com/groups/ArtAbandonment

Here's a little welcome message for you...