White abstract sculpture installation on green grass in outdoor park setting.

Ghost Fence

John Sundling (2017)

Sundling’s piece utilized the visual language of surveying and construction, using flagging tape, simple wood poles and plastic sheeting to create a “ghost fence” that outlines the original boundaries of Lincoln Park.

Artist statement

In the late 1960’s, the City of Portland razed existing communities to create the Franklin Street Arterial and make the area more “functional” and “modern”. Sundling is interested in this lost physical and social space and wants to “create a simple and effective reminder of both past and present, as well as a place to envision the future.”

“My goal is to create an awareness of the past and a place in the present to gather, share stories and create positive memories,” said Sundling.

Lush green park with trees, grass, and white fencing in a peaceful setting.

Installation date

June 2017

Location

Franklin Street Arterial

Materials

Wood, plastic sheeting, flagging tape

Portable greenhouse structure with plastic cover in a lush green park.

Beautiful garden scene with flowering trees and lush green grass.

Green park with trees, grass, and white decorative fencing.

Public art installation in a city park with people observing.

About the artist

John Sundling is an artist and designer, working in diverse disciplines including floristry, set design, sculpture, curation and custom fabrication. Recent work includes miniature sets for puppets in a feature film, and co-directing a “no-profit arts disorganization,” the Institute for American Art. His sculptural work has been primarily large-scale, often outdoors, with an emphasis on the effects of time and nature. The artist’s set design work has grown to become more environmental and sculptural in response to this exploration. Sundling is most interested in the blurry edges of his practices and how they inform each other.