Vito Acconci: Writing, Following strangers around the city, Designing buildings

City of Words, 1977 Vito Acconci

This week’s search for great things to share with you all began with that six degrees of separation. This is that fun phenomenon I’m sure most of us are familiar with that consists of bouncing from one wildly interesting article to another. What makes it so enjoyable is that it wonderfully suggests that all things are linked to one another in someway.

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hidden in the dust. part 1.

I’m attempting to start a short story series entitled “Hidden in the Dust.” It’s philosophical in a sense, but as I go along, I aim to increase the depth in imagery and architectural philosophy in more strictly artistic and emotional appeal. Whatever it is, I can’t tell you how to read it. I’m sure you already know how.

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“hidden in the dust.”

part 1

Architecture is the other person you think is watching you. It is what is sitting there when no one else is. It’s what gives you the feel of presence because of everything else’s absence. It exists through essence, and violates the clauses of common logic. It is everything.

I place myself in this void present in the chair. It is occupied. Does it change?

I cannot imagine what would have been had I never brought myself to this place, this “apartment.” What does that mean? A part of the environment? It is dry and cynical when I think of the history and derive any  meaning. Perhaps Derrida was right, perhaps there is no meaning without context.
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