Empty Retail 02
©2011 Craig Ashby
Digital Photograph

Empty Retail 02 is not so scary. A little more installation art than haunted house. It kind of reminds me of that hideous Jean Claude and Christo installation in Central Park.

It’s just the horizon line color that is reminiscent. This picture does that original idea justice. I think this is a great shot, that installation not so much.

From a distance The Gates project failed. The spacing was off and incomplete. Up close it was even worse. The structures holding the curtains too bulky and the curtains themselves were lackluster.

It was though every bit of design was ruined by the dreaded thought of impending litigation. The building of the frame for stability, the length of the curtain suicide proof. The spacing due to avoiding areas where stability was not perfect.

The whole project seemed ruined by fear and committee. Such a contemporary problem in all the arts. It drew more people to the park than have visited my website. So keep it all in perspective and know that for the most part I love their work.

I just wanted more from them and my experience of their work. It is still a cherished memory I shared with Ernie. For that I am very thankful.