Art for public display is everywhere in Seattle, some of it lofty, some of it, well... not so much. An example of one of Seattle's more ignoble art forms is the Chewing Gum Wall.
Seattle's Gum Wall is located across from the Market Theater at 1428 Post Alley, under Pike Place Market. The 15 feet high, several inches thick wall of gum started in the early 1990's, when Market Theater patrons would stick their chewing gum on the wall while waiting in line for tickets to the show. Theater workers tried twice to scrape the wall clean, then finally gave up as the tradition of using the wall as a used gum holder "stuck". (Forgive the pun.)
The Gum Wall recently shot to fame when it placed second on TripAdvisor's "top five germiest tourist spots in the world". First place went to Ireland's oft-kissed Blarney Stone.
Whether you agree it's art, or whether you think it's just gross, the Gum Wall is definitely colorful, and worth taking a look at. It's also an example of "interactive" art--visitors are encouraged to add their own chewing gum "offerings" to the display.
Check out "Best places to see free public art in Seattle: an introduction to Seattle's public artworks"
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photo by Callie Lorentson
Comments
that's awesome!!!! crazy how repetition and abundance suddenly makes the most ordinary things-like gum- aesthetically pleasing to the eye
Wow, that wall is incredible! Thanks for your tip on the forums and for checking my page.
My other two jobs are a substitute teacher and a server. Gum plays an infamous role in both jobs as careless students and diners leave their gross globs underneath student desks and unbelievably underneath dining tables. Glad to see a more productive and artful use of people's gum refuse. Nice article and slide show.
Thats so cool!
I'm an avid gum-chewer; this wall kind of fascinates me and repulses me simultaneously.
Only in Seattle!
I guess I have a real aversion to gum even before it is chewed and then after it really makes me green. Note to self, no gum wall visit when you make it to Seattle. :0)
Aversion aside, I think your writing is fun to read and I just subscribed! :0) So I am glad I saw you in community today.
Suddenly I do not feel like chewing any gum for a long time.
Disgusting and awesome all at the same time!
I think the gum artist started a franchise - there's a mini-wall of gum in Newark Penn Station's Ladies Room.
That's very cool. I'd love to stop there one day though I'd make sure to bring some Purell!
LOL! See...? Little kids always prefer the BOX and the older set is enthralled with sharing their gum with the world! Perhaps our needs really ARE more simple than we let on (or even realize). There is something poetic in this simple display and the attention it has received!! I LOVE IT!
Thanks, I needed a good laugh at work tonight!
It really is pretty. I might be a little hesitant to go near it though :)
Great Article
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