In situ Sanctuary
Fake columns and beams in a gallery, allowing visitors to experience the vulnerability of hidden spaces used by undocumented individuals.
Initiator(s)
Jenny Polak
Description
The project is a site specific prototype created to match the space of a gallery. The initiators designed fake column and fake beam which visitors could climb up inside. A monitor connected to a surveillance camera showed who was inside the structure. The initiator designed a series of structures replicating some hidden places which either immigrant workers or persecuted people have been using to hide from the authorities.
Goals
To hide people form the authorities.
Beneficial outcomes
The structures could keep their users purposely invisible and safe when immigration officers arrive.
Location
United States
Users
Jenny Polak, Art Gallery, undocumented immigrants
Maintained by
Jenny Polak, Exit Art
Duration
2003
Category
Scientific
Pedagogical
Politics
Urban Development
Economy
Environment
Social
