Murmurs From 1983 Spokane

Shh, put your ear to the door

Ashley Sudeta

There’s an apartment on campus you’ll never be able to live in, and it’s not because of ludicrously high rent, construction delays, or any myriad of landlord issues that might send you running for Student Legal Services. You will never rent a room at the Pedicord Apts. because it’s an art installation in Weisman Art Museum.

In Pedicord Apts., museum guests are greeted by a large, grimy mirror, a black brick faux fireplace, and an ashtray filled with cigarette butts. Everything carries a coat of streaky, drippy filth, conveying a once nice lobby fallen into a state of neglect. The furniture and interior design are vintage in a way that would be wonderfully charming if it were cleaner or if there was more sunlight. Maybe it’s best if you forget about sunlight—after all, you’re in Spokane, right? No, you’re in a museum… did you already forget? I don’t blame you if you did.

In the hallway, you’re sure to notice the low ceiling—that is if you’re not distracted by the musty odor. It’s dark and dingy, and standing near the window doesn’t seem to help. Voices can be heard from each door as you pass. You hear a television, a couple fighting, and a woman crying. As many times as you try to twist each doorknob, these sounds are the only details you get from the lives behind the doors—the rest is, intentionally, up to your imagination.

Pedicord Apts. was made in 1983 by Edward and Nancy Reddin Kienholz and brought to WAM in 1993. The installation was restored under the direction of Nancy Reddin Kienholz, and since then, conservation has been performed on the piece to ensure it remains at the intended level of disrepair. Emphasis has been on maintaining the feel of the piece as much as the physical details. WAM is open Wed 10 a.m.-8p.m., Thu-Fri 10 a.m.-5p.m., and Sat-Sun 11a.m.-5p.m. When scouring the cities for art, don’t forget to look right under your nose.