"Plan B" by Rudolf Stingel was an innovative public art project that transformed spaces with its visually striking and immersive carpet installations. In July 2004, Stingel's first major public sculpture outside of art institutions was showcased, employing wall-to-wall carpeting in vibrant floral patterns not typically associated with outdoor or grand public spaces. This project was installed at both the prestigious Walker Art Center and the iconic Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. By moving carpet, a material he often utilizes and has almost claimed as his own, out of its traditional context, Stingel created environments that were both welcoming and disorienting, prompting a reflection on contemporary art's dual roles as public culture and domestic decoration. This act was not just about aesthetic intervention but also about engaging with the urban architectural surroundings in a dialogue that was at once minimalist and dynamic (Art Production Fund).
For the Grand Central Terminal installation, Stingel designed an enormous "painting" with customized commercial carpet, akin to those found in upscale hotels or casinos, but with a twist in coloration that added an "off" sensibility. This massive artwork emphasized the creative potential of ordinary materials and expanded the notion of contemporary painting, bringing a new kind of splendor to the daily routines of approximately 125,000 commuters. The project highlighted the flexibility of artistic mediums and the transformative power of art in public spaces, challenging passersby to reconsider their surroundings and the possibilities for grand public spaces (Creative Time) (Creative Time).
Stingel's work, including "Plan B," is noted for straddling the lines between various art forms and techniques, from photo-realism and abstraction to installation. His explorations often aim to demystify the artistic process and invite public interaction, thereby broadening the definition of traditional painting and challenging perceptions of artistic authorship (Paula Cooper Gallery).