Silence for a Visual Moment

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NYSAT Whitewash

NYSAT this morning: Voice for the future of our city.

Before:
NYSAT Whitewash

After:
NYSAT Whitewash

Before:
NYSAT Whitewash

After:
NYSAT Whitewash

Before:
NYSAT Whitewash
Before:
NYSAT Whitewash

After:
NYSAT Whitewash

After each whitewashing we posted a notice of our intent:

NYSAT Whitewash

From the Metropolitan Landscape Control Committee:

The MLCC has recently become aware of the fact that NPA City Outdoor is operating over 500 illegal street level billboards in NYC, as well as many illegal wildposting locations. Despite private contracts, and other previous arrangements made between NPA City Outdoor and building owners, the above-mentioned advertising locations have been found to be illegal due to lack of permitting and failure to adhere to New York City zoning regulations. Under the Department of Buildings sign code § 26-256 these advertisements are subject to civil penalties and violations of up to $15,000. The Municipal Landscape Control Committee has organized the whitewashing of all NPA City Outdoor street level advertising locations until further structural removal can be implemented. The continued posting of advertising content at these locations will result in further legal action against NPA City Outdoor.


NYSAT Whitewash

More photos are posted here.

I've written about this project before.

Today's New York Times had this to say.

Visual culture affects us. We are the sidewalks and the sidewalks are us. But in the arena of our public space we find ourselves assaulted. What is the meaning of 'public' when we have no remedy against this relentless barrage? The NYSAT project calls us to quiet action and deliberate protest. NPA Outdoor is clearly in violation of the public trust. It's time to bring some silence back; it doesn't have to be this way.

These empty whitewashed walls make a place for open imagination and a quiet escape, if only temporary. I'm happy I had a chance to participate this time around.

Follow the work of Jordan Seiler at Public Ad Campaign.

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