The Delmar Divide is a microcosm of a large problem in America today. The growing disparity between rich and poor, and the rapidly evaporating middle class. I propose a temporary public art installation on Delmar Blvd called “The Wailing Wall”. The Wailing Wall is a 4x7 wooden wall built on Delmar running parallel to the street. It will be a place for the community to bring their stories telling their perspective of the economic disparities experienced in this city. This structure will stand for a one year period. At the end of this period we have member of community tear down the wall as a symbol of destroying the barrier between the segments of the city. I envision people from both sides of the ‘divide’ meeting at the wall and conversing and learning from each other. I hope the outcome of this project fosters more of a sense of community between the neighborhoods divide by Delmar Blvd. and begins the conversation of how to fix the problem presented by the Delmar Divide among the St. Louis people. I hope this project will foster understanding and break down preconceptions on both sides of the divide and begin a process of changing the current situation in St. Louis and maybe other American cities.
For more info on the Wailing Wall click here
