Installation:
The
installation is a chalk drawing on the sidewalk, suggesting a crime scene
where chalk outlines show the location of the victims. The drawing shows
the World Trade Center towers, two 767 airplanes and human beings, all
drawn to scale. Writings surround the outside of the drawing — the
innermost layer consists of writings in memory of those we've lost and
in honor of the heroes and rescue workers. The outer layer of writing
is a quote by the WTC architect at the time the building was designed,
which describes how the building was conceived as a representation of
man’s belief in goodness, cooperation and dignity — all qualities
we have seen in the aftermath of the tragedy.
As the viewer walks around the drawing, reading the writings, there is
a sense of a meditative walk not unlike walking a labyrinth. Also, by
being located in parks, schools and common areas around the community,
the drawing becomes a focal point where people may spend a moment together
contemplating the event, exchanging ideas or sharing a sense of community.
Artists' Unique Role:
By
doing this drawing where people can view it and physically experience
the immensity of the buildings and planes compared to the small size of
the humans, artists can bring people a new perspective on the tragedy.
The scale drawing helps people grasp the true scope of what has happened,
and to see the impact on the entire nation. As artists have always done
throughout the centuries, the drawing brings a unique understanding to
people, an understanding greater than words, media and language can convey.
Aims:
- To
help us understand how big this is, to grasp the enormous scale of the
buildings and what has happened. (In the scale drawing, the people are
1.6" tall, shown next to 32’ tall buildings.)
- To
understand this as a crime which has affected everyone—not just
people in New York or workers in the Pentagon. We are all in this together.
- To
see that the tragedy has brought out our humanity and compassion for
each other, and brought us together as a nation. We are drawn together
by these events.
- To
make downloadable plans available to anyone who would like to create
their own drawing in their community. The Response page will link to
photos, text and sites nationwide where the drawing has been done.
- To
demonstrate one way in which ordinary people, using ordinary materials,
can communicate and join together in a positive action.
|
