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New World Wailing Wall

A sculptural installation on the vacant slab of a former family home in a flooded Gentilly neighborhood is an homage to survivors and community.
  • Status: Active
  • Submitted: Thu Dec 25, 2008   |   Last updated: Wed Feb 04, 2009
  • Location(s): Orleans
    only these New Orleans neighborhoods - Gentilly Terrace
  • Topics(s): Community development, Environment, Housing, Other
  • Tag(s): Infrastructure, Memorial
  • Views: 1301  

Details

2761 Dreux Ave. This 11' high x 35' long installation hopefully serves to reanimate the partially repopulated community and help it attract attention to its continuing struggle to recover. Made of Katrina salvage, steel, plastic bags and concrete, its allusion to the "wall of water" also warns other communities that protective infrastructure everywhere is crumbling. Sponsored by AORTA Projects

Project Scope: Vision, Aim, & Objectives

Why this project is being done:
The artist's goals were to make a large scale site specific sculpture in a flooded neighborhood that: (1) memorializes those who lost their lives, (2) honors the survivors, and (3) provides catharsis for residents who still struggle to rebuild.
Who or what this project would impact:
This project has two target audiences: the local families who have been struggling for 3+ years to rebuild and bring their families back; and "art tourists" who may visit to see the piece but be reminded that this neighborhood still needs help.
Project intends to address:
Besides the above, Cynthia Scott also wanted to emphasize to any observers (especially from out of state) that public infrastructure in ALL states is crumbling and that levees, bridges, roads and tunnels need improvement to avert future disasters.
Included or excluded:
Nothing is excluded from the scope of this project.

Project Timeline

The project had its public unveiling on December 7, 2008. It will be up until February 28, 2009 and is monitored throughout for necessary repairs. Neighborhood outreach occurred prior to installation and neighbors' feedback is being collected.

Project Plan & Participants

Other people and/or organizations involved in this project:
AORTA Projects (formerly ARTinACTION) - Elizabeth Underwood, Director. Luis Colmenares - fabrication consultant. Julie Anne Pieri - volunteer. Ron Palmer - volunteer. Kate and Erin - volunteers. Susan Neely and Doyle Gertjejansen - site sponsors
Plan for implementing this project:
Piece has a welded steel base which has been weighted with chunks of concrete from building site next door. Verticals are steel and found objects anchored by steel cable. Plastic strands weave across. Slab is painted with overview of local streets.

Related Links

AORTA Projects