Art Abandonment was founded by artist Michael deMeng more than a decade ago to encourage random acts of art and leaving that art for complete strangers to find, anywhere in the world. For years he had left charcoal drawings in restaurants and eventually decided to expand and share his practice with others.
Through the Art Abandonment Facebook page, artists can then post locations and photos of abandoned work, and the finders can post to let everyone know about their good fortune. Art is left everywhere—tucked into a DVD case for the next renter, taped to a hotel mirror for the housekeeper, left on a park bench or light post for the next passerby.
Following the shootings in Orlando, the Art Abandonment page has been full of rainbow imagery of all kinds, plus stories about what inspired art that was created and left specifically to help other people heal.
Here’s how to play:
- Make a piece of art (as simple or as elegant as you like).
- Write a note to accompany it that explains that it is a gift (you can see how others label their art here.)
- On your note, mention that if the finder would like to share info about its fate, he or she can contact you directly (via email) or on the Art Abandonment Facebook page.
- Photograph what you’re leaving behind.
- Then leave the art and note, and walk away.
- On Facebook, share the location and photo of your gift.
For more information and to join the group, simply click here.