MANIFESTO
Organisms of our own planet, together we work, exchange ideas, theorize, discover and love. We do these things to persevere, to build for the better and to ensure happiness for our future generations and us; for our neighbors. We are all familiar with these feelings, these ambitions, yet we like to create a wall around our thoughts and actions. Why is it that when we think something is wrong, many of us don’t speak out? Why is it when we want to scream I love you, we wait for the other next to us to say so first? Why are we afraid of what we really want to do? Our innate thoughts of action are more than often help back by a chain. The chain consisting of outside criticism, religious backgrounds, cultural habits, standardized morals, government enforcement, and how we were raised. But don’t you think its time to let go? Do as we think is right, and don’t be afraid of the consequences. Truth is an act of courage by one, and followed by many. Is there no medium that can translate our thoughts into actions anymore? Are we enslaved by these invisible walls, and then held back by the external chain? As a current member of the world, I hope to believe that we can expose ourselves as we deserve, train our hearts to not be afraid of rejection, of disappointment; but to rejoice when our thoughts are let out to the universe, blooming and growing with the help of others. Only but a start; “Intertwined World” art instillation brings together inhabitants of Lancaster avenue from 36th to 38th street.
As a believer of “fearless speech” posed by artist Krzysztof Wodiczko, I created an art instillation that uses public space as an opportunity for people to freely express their thoughts and display them for everyone to see. A 300 ft strings wrapped around trees and stretching from 36th and Lancaster to 38th and Lancaster, becomes a place for people to “comment their world”. I installed two colorful plastic baskets, provided clothespins, a pen and papers for everyone to use. I posed two questions, “If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be” and “comment your world” at either end. Within two days, 50 clothespins had been used. Within four days, 125 additional ones were used. The string is now covered in clothespins, displaying different individual wishes, dreams, quotes, thoughts, and beliefs. It has created a sense of unity. Many are similar, expressing themes of happiness, family and beauty. Here we are not only afraid to follow our companion string to the other side of the neighborhood, boarderd by a signifantly contrasting racial community; the string becomes ours, it becomes everyones. This can hopefully influence individuals to see the potential of their powers. To see the potential of a unified community. Participants commented “Even thought I can’t be in Nigeria or Haiti, for those couple minutes I am there”. Others said “ It puts a smile on our faces”. Wherever there is a smile, it is a job well done. By anonymously hanging your ideas on the string, you do not have to worry about criticism or exposure. Your thought is exposed to the world, yet you still feel safe. This is only my first step to “culture in action” art projects.
