Is This Art? The Gum Wall at Pike Place Market in Seattle

The Pike Place Market Gum Wall in Seattle, Washington, like the Beer Can House in Houston, Texas is another one of those creations that beg the question, “Is this art?” The Oxford American Dictionary defines art as, “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

At its most basic the gum wall is nothing more than a brick alleyway in downtown Seattle covered with gum. In 1993 patrons of the “Unexpected Productions’ Seattle Theatresports” began to stick gum to the wall and placed coins in the blobs of gum. Twice workers tried to scrape away the gum but a tradition had begun and eventually they gave up. In 1999 Pike Place Market officials declared the gum wall an official tourist attraction. The ever growing wall is now several inches thick, 15 feet high and over 50 feet wide.

See also:

• East Side Gallery in Berlin
• Portugal Day Trip: Alcobaça, a (very dark) Love Story
• Art of Success

But, the question remains, is this art? The wall certainly has emotional power but, that emotion is often “ewww” or “gross”. Does it show creativity or imagination? Maybe a little. Skill? Nope. I did, however, find it interesting and if it is not art in and of itself, it is a testament to people’s need to express themselves and cooperatively create things. In my mind that – if not this work – is important and I will reluctantly concede that, like the Beer Can House, it is art. What do you think?

The Gum Wall at Pike Place Market in Seattle

Sharing is caring!