Whispers from the Divide
Location: William H. Mathers Gallery
Opening: October 19, 2024
Lead Curator: Brandie Macdonald
Videographer and Lead Artist: Arthur Liou, Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design
Scoring: Steve Wayne Thomas
Arthur Liou's video installation, Whispers from the Divide, seeks to encapsulate the tangible and intangible barriers between the US-Mexico border. Through a series of pilgrimages to key locations along the border, Liou records a first-person journey and offers an immersive experience that transcends mere observation. The work fosters a space for empathy and understanding amidst a backdrop of political tumult and the complicated issues surrounding immigration and identity. As described by Liou “When Whispers from the Divide was conceived in 2018, the language of “The Wall” was used as a political token, overshadowing every social, economic, and humanitarian discussion about immigration policy. I hope this project will bring a fresh viewpoint to the current events and a space for us to envision the border in different settings.”
The bi-lingual (Spanish and English) exhibition will feature an interactive space where guests and community members can share their stories of visiting the US-Mexico border.
Whispers from the Divide was made possible by the generous support from the College Arts and Humanities Institute, the Public Arts and Humanities Project Grant at Indiana University, Bloomington, and the Indiana University Mexico Gateway.