A group of 8 artists lived in a mall for 4 years — this documentary uncovers their secret world

[Fair Frog]

A group of eight artists, led by Michael Townsend, spent four years living in secret apartment within a Providence Place mall. The unusual space was created by loading in furniture and other essentials through a tiny window and had become like a "sitcom set" to them.

The artists, all young at the time, used the space as an artistic endeavor. To create it they stole electricity from a wall socket, ran on extension cords and built this small space with dozens of blocks. The apartment was not meant for four years but more as an art piece.

Townsend had made a statement against gentrification and consumerism by living in secret. His subversive act inspired his friends to join him.

The documentary follows the story behind the secret apartment, the artists who built it, and their motivations. Jeremy Workman, director of the film, was attracted to Townsend's work and discovered the incredible true story when they met while filming "Lily Topples the World."

Filmmaker Jeremy Workman has been fascinated by this extraordinary true story for many years, until he finally convinced Michael Townsend, along with his other co-conspirators, that it would be worth telling.

While capturing their experiences as an artist, Workman had to confront technical challenges, including footage recorded on consumer-grade cameras and low-quality formats. The documentary features stunning visualizations of the space through reenactments.

The apartment remains a subject for social commentary, particularly in relation to gentrification and suburban living.

Townsend, along with his friends, used this space as an act of resistance against capitalism and consumerism. While they knew it was likely going to be detected, they wanted to explore the possibilities of what art could do by taking risks like that.

After 17 years, Jeremy Workman finally convinced Michael Townsend and his co-conspirators that their incredible true story needed a film.

The documentary raises questions about performance art, class, race, gentrification and consumerism. It also provides an inspiring story to show how creativity can transform spaces into something special - an idea made of imagination and vision.

"Secret Mall Apartment" is now streaming on Netflix.

 

[Drunk]

I gotta say, this whole secret apartment thing is like a microcosm for the struggles we face in our urban landscapes . I mean, think about it, these eight artists were basically living in a capitalist paradise, surrounded by consumerism and gentrification, and they chose to revolt against it by creating their own little space. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know you've got your fancy malls and shopping centers, but what about us? What about our art, our creativity?"

And let's be real, the fact that they had to steal electricity from a wall socket just shows how desperate people can get when they feel like their voices aren't being heard. It's like they're saying, "We'll take whatever we can get if it means we can express ourselves."

But what really gets me is the way this documentary raises questions about performance art and class. I mean, are these artists just performing for the cameras, or are they genuinely trying to make a statement? Is it just about the art, or is it about something more?

It's like, we're living in a world where gentrification is on the rise, and these artists are basically saying, "Hey, this is what happens when you commodify art." It's like they're taking the red pill and seeing the world for what it really is.

 

[Outrageo]

OMG u guys!!! I'm literally dying over this docu about Michael Townsend & his squad living in a secret apartment within a mall 4 yrs ago!!! it's like a sitcom set or something! and can we talk about the artistry tho?? they created this whole space outta nothin' using extension cords & blocks... i mean what even is that?! meanwhile Jeremy Workman was all about capturing their vibes & creating this stunning docu that's still giving me LIFE on Netflix

 

[Middle-Eas]

I mean I love that artists are still pushing boundaries like this! The way Michael Townsend and his friends created this entire apartment from scratch, using just a tiny window and extension cords... it's wild . But what really gets me is how the space became this "sitcom set" for them - it's like they were living in a character they created.

The documentary does seem to gloss over some of the logistical issues that Jeremy Workman faced while filming, but at least he's got a great story to tell . I'm curious to see how people will react to this on Netflix - will it spark some conversations about gentrification and consumerism? I'd love to see if it inspires more artists to take risks like this.

One thing that bugs me is that they only just finished the documentary 17 years after the whole thing went down . What took them so long to make it? Wasn't it a no-brainer for Netflix to pick it up when Jeremy Workman was talking about it all those years ago? Guess you can never really know what goes on behind the scenes, though

 

[Crazy]

I'm low-key obsessed with this docu! I mean, who wouldn't want to live in a secret apartment inside a mall? It's like they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade... but what happens when life gives you a tiny window and some extension cords? Michael Townsend and his crew are total geniuses for creating this space as an art piece. And the fact that it was meant to be temporary is just wild - can you imagine how surreal it must've been for them to be living in that space for 4 years straight?! The way Jeremy Workman tells their story is also super inspiring, especially with all the technical challenges they had to overcome. It's like, this docu is not just about art or music, but about class, gentrification, and how creativity can change our lives in such a big way!

 

[Children of t]

this is so cool i mean who wouldn't wanna live in a secret apartment within a mall for 4 years? its like a real life video game, lol. the fact that they had to steal electricity and build it with blocks from extension cords is just genius . im sure its not gonna be easy to watch but i guess its good to see how art can challenge social norms and stuff. gentrification is such a big deal nowadays so this kinda story needs to be told, maybe inspires people to think about the power of creativity .

 

[Horrible Hornet]

I mean, think about it, a group of young artists just kinda... existed in this space, no real plan or goal other than to create something from nothing. And yet, they created this entire world within a mall. It's like, what does that say about our society? That we need these kind of spaces to escape, to feel like individuals. Gentrification is all about erasing that individuality, replacing it with this homogenized consumer culture. But Townsend and his crew were all about disrupting that, making art from the margins.

And now, 17 years later, their story gets released as a documentary on Netflix. It's like, what's the point of it all? Is it just to entertain us, or is there something more profound going on here? I know some people might say it's just about art and creativity, but I think there's so much more depth to it than that.

I mean, have you ever been in a space that feels like this? A place where nothing makes sense, but somehow everything does? That's what the secret apartment was all about. It was an experiment, a test of boundaries and limits. And now, we get to watch it on screen, relive it... or at least try to understand its significance.

 

[In the L]

I think it's absolutely fascinating how Michael Townsend's subversive act became a powerful commentary on gentrification & consumerism. The fact that they created this entire world within the apartment using just extension cords and DIY ingenuity speaks to the creative potential of art as resistance. I mean, 4 years in secret? That's dedication! And I love how Jeremy Workman managed to bring it all together despite the technical challenges – reenactments are genius! The documentary is more than just a story about art, it's an exploration of class, race, and social commentary. It's like they say, 'the most subversive acts often start with tiny risks'.

 

[Middl]

I'm low-key obsessed with this docu, it's like they took a crazy idea from college days and turned it into a masterpiece . Living in secret for 4 years? That's some next-level commitment to art . And the fact that it was hidden in a mall, of all places, is just genius .

It's wild to think about how much thought went into creating this tiny apartment with blocks and extension cords . It's like they wanted to subvert our expectations of what's possible in everyday life. And the way Jeremy Workman brings it all together with stunning visuals? Mind blown .

The themes of gentrification, consumerism, and class are so relevant today . I love how the docu doesn't shy away from exploring these issues, but also highlights the power of creativity to transform spaces .

What I'm most excited about is watching people react to this film . How will it inspire or challenge them? Will it spark conversations about art and activism in our communities ?

Anyway, if you haven't checked out "Secret Mall Apartment" yet, grab a snack and binge-watch – trust me, it's worth it

 

[Outrageous]

omg this is so crazy I just heard about it from my friend who's a student at URI and I was like what the heck? i mean, four years in a mall apartment sounds insane but also kinda genius how did they even get away with it for that long? I'm definitely watching this documentary now, I need to see the space for myself. The fact that it's on Netflix is just perfect, who needs a cinema when you can watch from the comfort of your own home?

 

[Elderly Mili]

This doco is like totally mind-blowing ! I mean, who wouldn't want to live in a secret mall apartment? It's like they say, art is all about taking risks and pushing boundaries . The fact that Michael Townsend and his friends did this just to make a statement against consumerism and gentrification is so admirable .

And can you believe it was hidden for 4 years?! That's like, some serious stealth mode ! I love how the director Jeremy Workman got on board with the project and helped bring this incredible story to life . The reenactments in the doco are so cool, it feels like you're right there with them in the mall apartment .

I think what's most interesting about this whole thing is how it raises questions about performance art, class, and gentrification . It's not just a fun story about living in a weird space – it's also got some real substance to it . So yeah, I'm definitely checking out "Secret Mall Apartment" on Netflix !

 

[Feverish Computer Qu]

I gotta say, this secret mall apartment thingy is just wild . Like, 4 years living in a tiny space with no official permission? That's some next level art stunts . And the fact that it became like a sitcom set for them ? Mind blown!

I love how the filmmakers tackled technical issues with those old cameras and formats , it shows they were really committed to bringing this story to life. It's also crazy to think about how this apartment has become a symbol of resistance against capitalism and consumerism . I'm intrigued by the themes of gentrification and suburban living that come up in this doco.

What I find most inspiring is how creativity can transform spaces into something magical . The artists' willingness to take risks like stealing electricity and building a tiny apartment on a whim shows you don't need fancy studios or expensive equipment to make art happen .

 

[Russian Jetski]

I just watched this doco about that guy Michael Townsend who lived in a secret apartment inside a mall for 4 years it's wild! He and his friends built the whole thing with extension cords and blocks, can you imagine? It's like something out of a sitcom but they were dead serious about making a statement against gentrification and consumerism. The doco is cool but I had to keep looking at old pics of iPhones that are still from 2010 . Anyway, it's all about how art can transform spaces and challenge our perspectives on class, identity, and the world around us

 

[Nuclear Lacrosse B]

I'm still waiting for them to come out of that tiny apartment at Providence Place mall, 17 years in the making . I mean, what's the real point of living in a shoebox with extension cords? Is it just some hippie nonsense about rebelling against consumerism or was it just a publicity stunt? Either way, it's gonna be a wild watch on Netflix... but don't expect me to be all smiles about it . The art piece thingy is cool and all, but I'd rather see some real change in the world before I get all jazzed about some artists living in secret .

 

[Smili]

I'm so done with these documentary creators, always trying to find 'inspiring stories' in the most random places . I mean, come on, someone actually thinks it's a good idea to live in secret apartment within a mall for 4 years and then make a whole film out of it? The production quality looks super low-key (pun intended) – those consumer-grade cameras are so basic . And don't even get me started on the reenactments, they're just as cringeworthy . Can we just give credit to the artists who actually created this masterpiece without turning it into a 'documentary' that's all about how they did it? I mean, what's next? A film about people playing video games for 24/7?