Eight artists, led by the enigmatic Michael Townsend, pulled off a daring feat in 2003 when they secretly occupied an apartment within a Providence Place mall for four years. The documentary "Secret Mall Apartment" chronicles this incredible true story, shedding light on the motivations and artistic vision behind this unconventional dwelling.
The space itself was an exercise in creative problem-solving, with the artists employing makeshift solutions to occupy the cramped, windowless area. A couch, TV, PlayStation, table, chairs, cement blocks, and even a waffle iron were all incorporated into this "sitcom set" that served as their hideaway from the world.
Townsend, a tape art artist known for his educational workshops with kids, had conceived this project as an anti-gentrification statement, using the mall's IMAX movie theater to obtain popcorn. His artistic vision was complex and multifaceted, blending elements of performance art, trespassing, and pranksterism.
However, Townsend's actions also raised questions about privilege, class, and racial dynamics, given that the co-conspirators were predominantly white males in their 20s. Their ability to evade security, largely due to their youth and perceived privilege, is striking.
The apartment itself underwent numerous transformations over its four-year occupation, with each artist contributing unique sensibilities to its evolution. What was initially intended as a makeshift home became an ever-changing art installation that blurred the lines between performance, activism, and personal expression.
Ultimately, Townsend's actions came to an end when he was caught by security, incurring a punishment that included being banned from the mall for 17 years. Yet, the "Secret Mall Apartment" has taken on a life of its own, emerging as both a symbol of resistance against gentrification and a testament to the power of artistic innovation.
As Jeremy Workman's film reveals, this extraordinary story has captivated audiences, inspiring reflection on themes such as aspiration, privilege, and creative rebellion. With its blend of humor, absurdity, and poignancy, "Secret Mall Apartment" is an unforgettable journey into the secret world of eight artists who dared to defy conventions.
The space itself was an exercise in creative problem-solving, with the artists employing makeshift solutions to occupy the cramped, windowless area. A couch, TV, PlayStation, table, chairs, cement blocks, and even a waffle iron were all incorporated into this "sitcom set" that served as their hideaway from the world.
Townsend, a tape art artist known for his educational workshops with kids, had conceived this project as an anti-gentrification statement, using the mall's IMAX movie theater to obtain popcorn. His artistic vision was complex and multifaceted, blending elements of performance art, trespassing, and pranksterism.
However, Townsend's actions also raised questions about privilege, class, and racial dynamics, given that the co-conspirators were predominantly white males in their 20s. Their ability to evade security, largely due to their youth and perceived privilege, is striking.
The apartment itself underwent numerous transformations over its four-year occupation, with each artist contributing unique sensibilities to its evolution. What was initially intended as a makeshift home became an ever-changing art installation that blurred the lines between performance, activism, and personal expression.
Ultimately, Townsend's actions came to an end when he was caught by security, incurring a punishment that included being banned from the mall for 17 years. Yet, the "Secret Mall Apartment" has taken on a life of its own, emerging as both a symbol of resistance against gentrification and a testament to the power of artistic innovation.
As Jeremy Workman's film reveals, this extraordinary story has captivated audiences, inspiring reflection on themes such as aspiration, privilege, and creative rebellion. With its blend of humor, absurdity, and poignancy, "Secret Mall Apartment" is an unforgettable journey into the secret world of eight artists who dared to defy conventions.
. So basically, these 8 artists (mostly white dudes) just decide to move into this tiny apartment in a mall for like 4 years without permission? It's crazy! I get why it was an anti-gentrification statement and all that, but what really gets me is how they managed to pull off the whole thing without getting caught. Like, they used a waffle iron and cement blocks as part of their "art installation" 
. And now this doc is out showing everyone what went down... it's wild. I mean, I can see why people would be inspired by their creativity and rebellion, but at the same time, there are some serious questions about privilege and class that come up. Anyway, I'm definitely gonna check out this film, sounds like it'll be a wild ride 
...I mean, it's like, they just took over this tiny apartment and turned it into some crazy art installation. But at the same time, it seems kinda weird that only white guys were involved, you know? How did they get away with it for so long? 
It's all a bit confusing.
. I'm not saying it's impossible, but the more I investigate, the more skeptical I become 
. Can anyone provide some credible sources to back up this fascinating (or is it fabricated?) tale? 
But at the same time, I do think it's wild how they got away with it so easily... privilege and all that jazz. 
It's like, yeah they're creative and all but that doesn't necessarily mean everyone gets to just occupy a mall space willy-nilly. Still, their project was super cool and it's awesome that we can learn from their art installation. I'd totally want to visit the apartment now! 
But seriously, it's wild to think about how this whole thing came together and what kind of conversations it's sparking. Maybe next we'll see a documentary about a bunch of old dudes living in their parent's basement... 
. And Michael Townsend's idea to do it as an anti-gentrification statement is so cool 
. But at the same time, it's also kinda weird that they were all white guys from their 20s and got away with it for so long...idk, it raises some questions about privilege and class 
, it's like they were saying "hey world, we're not just artists, we're also rebels" 
. And now that the doc is out, I'm definitely gonna check it out 
.
- Oprah Winfrey 
. And can we talk about how this project is totally giving me life? The idea of a "sitcom set" with all those random objects and makeshift solutions is just too funny 
It's like something out of a movie. But what really gets me is the context behind it all - gentrification and the struggles of artists trying to make a statement. 
Michael Townsend's vision was so bold and inspiring, even if it did raise some questions about privilege and class. And I have to say, the way the apartment transformed over time is like something out of a surreal art installation... 
I'm totally down for watching "Secret Mall Apartment" now, gotta see what Jeremy Workman's film is all about 
. Even if it means taking some risks and facing consequences, it's worth it for the sake of creativity and self-expression.
. But, at the same time, I get why Townsend wanted to do this - it's like he was trying to challenge the status quo and make people think about their privilege 
. It's like they were creating this whole other world in there 
. But, yeah, it also raises some questions about class and racism... I mean, those guys were mostly white dudes, and they just kinda... got away with it