In a shocking turn of events, eight artists managed to pull off an incredible stunt in the Providence Place mall in 2003 - they turned a secret apartment into their home and lived there for four years without anyone noticing. The documentary "Secret Mall Apartment" sheds light on this remarkable story and explores the motivations behind it.
The artists, led by Michael Townsend, were all tape art enthusiasts who met while working on a project to create memorials in New York City after 9/11. They saw an opportunity to subvert the status quo and make a statement about gentrification and consumerism by living in the mall, a space that was once vibrant but now felt abandoned.
As Townsend describes it, "It's a work of art... performance art... trespassing... a prank." The secret apartment became a makeshift hangout spot where they would watch movies, play video games, and even have waffle parties when no one was looking. They ran an extension cord to steal electricity and used the mall's IMAX theater popcorn machine.
The artists were able to evade security for so long because of their youth and privilege - as Jeremy Workman notes, "They weren't recording to make a documentary or a film... it was just to catalog what they were doing." The footage they captured over those four years is incredible, showcasing the transformation of the space from a neglected area to a cozy home.
But how did Townsend gain their trust and convince them to participate in the film? Workman explains that he met Townsend randomly while filming another project and was initially skeptical. However, when Townsend showed him footage of the secret apartment, his jaw dropped. It's clear that the film is not just about the stunt itself but also about the people behind it.
The documentary raises questions about class and race as well - the coconspirators are all white and privileged, which affects their ability to go unnoticed. However, Townsend acknowledges this privilege and notes that it was a factor in their success. The film also touches on the theme of aspiration and the search for a sense of home.
One artist describes the secret apartment as a way of "performing a lifestyle," but it's more complex than that - it's an act of resistance, a prank, and a work of art all at once. Townsend himself says, "I love how it has that element of humor and ridiculousness." The film is both absurd and profound, capturing the essence of the artists' creative process and their desire to subvert the norms.
Ultimately, Townsend gets caught and is banned from the mall for 17 years. While this punishment might seem harsh, Workman notes that it's fitting given the circumstances. The documentary ends with the revelation that the secret apartment will be screened at the Providence Place mall itself, a meta touch that underscores the film's themes of community and rebellion.
"Secret Mall Apartment" is now streaming on Netflix, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of these eight artists and their incredible stunt. It's a reminder that art can take many forms and that even the most unlikely spaces can be turned into something beautiful and meaningful with the right mindset.
The artists, led by Michael Townsend, were all tape art enthusiasts who met while working on a project to create memorials in New York City after 9/11. They saw an opportunity to subvert the status quo and make a statement about gentrification and consumerism by living in the mall, a space that was once vibrant but now felt abandoned.
As Townsend describes it, "It's a work of art... performance art... trespassing... a prank." The secret apartment became a makeshift hangout spot where they would watch movies, play video games, and even have waffle parties when no one was looking. They ran an extension cord to steal electricity and used the mall's IMAX theater popcorn machine.
The artists were able to evade security for so long because of their youth and privilege - as Jeremy Workman notes, "They weren't recording to make a documentary or a film... it was just to catalog what they were doing." The footage they captured over those four years is incredible, showcasing the transformation of the space from a neglected area to a cozy home.
But how did Townsend gain their trust and convince them to participate in the film? Workman explains that he met Townsend randomly while filming another project and was initially skeptical. However, when Townsend showed him footage of the secret apartment, his jaw dropped. It's clear that the film is not just about the stunt itself but also about the people behind it.
The documentary raises questions about class and race as well - the coconspirators are all white and privileged, which affects their ability to go unnoticed. However, Townsend acknowledges this privilege and notes that it was a factor in their success. The film also touches on the theme of aspiration and the search for a sense of home.
One artist describes the secret apartment as a way of "performing a lifestyle," but it's more complex than that - it's an act of resistance, a prank, and a work of art all at once. Townsend himself says, "I love how it has that element of humor and ridiculousness." The film is both absurd and profound, capturing the essence of the artists' creative process and their desire to subvert the norms.
Ultimately, Townsend gets caught and is banned from the mall for 17 years. While this punishment might seem harsh, Workman notes that it's fitting given the circumstances. The documentary ends with the revelation that the secret apartment will be screened at the Providence Place mall itself, a meta touch that underscores the film's themes of community and rebellion.
"Secret Mall Apartment" is now streaming on Netflix, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of these eight artists and their incredible stunt. It's a reminder that art can take many forms and that even the most unlikely spaces can be turned into something beautiful and meaningful with the right mindset.
I mean, can you believe it? Living in a mall apartment for 4 years without getting caught is like something out of a movie! The fact that they were able to make it work without anyone noticing is just wild... I guess privilege really does play a role when it comes to getting away with stuff 
. It's interesting how the documentary touches on class and race, but at the same time, you can't deny the creativity and humor behind their whole thing 
. 17 years banned from the mall seems harsh, but I get why they'd want to take a stand... it's like they were saying "hey, we're making art here" 
.
so like they just decided to move into a mall and live there for four years without anyone noticing... sounds like some fancy privilege at work 
anyway, I guess it's cool that they were able to turn that space into something cozy and use it as a hangout spot. but, idk, it feels like a bit of an act of middle-class rebellion? like, they're subverting the status quo, but also kinda relying on their own privilege to avoid getting caught 
And 4 years without anyone noticing is just insane! 
I'm definitely going to check out this documentary on Netflix! 
They really lived in this secret apartment for 4 years? 
Did they ever get bored or feel like they were missing out on something? 
And the fact that they stole electricity and used the mall's popcorn machine is just wild. 
It's like they were living in their own little bubble, oblivious to the world outside. 
The film raises some interesting points about class and privilege, though. 
I mean, it's not exactly a subtle commentary on how people are treated differently depending on who they are. 
But hey, at least it's an entertaining watch! 
And 17 years for Townsend is definitely a harsh punishment. 
Maybe it was just about making a point and pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable. 
.