|
The Wall: A Prayer for Peace by Judybeth Greene, 2000
This artwork grew out of the artist’s attempts to understand, process and deal with the disturbing images of escalating violence in the Middle East since October, 2000. It is inspired by the Western Wall in Jerusalem, better known as the “Wailing Wall.” Historically, many Jews, as well as people of other religions, have inserted notes, prayers and wishes between the stones. After making a painting about the cycle of violence and inserting a peace prayer into the painting itself, the artist came to the conclusion that the opportunity to make such tangible prayers needed to be extended to the general public - here and now.
This box, like the Wall, has holes between some of the “stones” through which people may insert prayers and wishes. The box will remain closed, however, and these notes will remain private - between the writer and God.
This work was first shared with the public as part of the Peace Cafe’ at the D.C. Jewish Community Center in November, 2000, which invited dialogue between Arabs, Palestinians, Jews and Israelis. This “cafe” was cosponsored with Andy Shallal, the owner of MIMI’s American Bistro and other restaurants.
Since that first Peace Cafe, this wall has been displayed for interactive use at many sites including the Maryland Institute College of Art, Chizuk Amuno Schecter Kreeger Middle School (a havurah in Washington, D.C.), Adas Israel and at ARTSCAPE at the “SPEAK” exhibit in the Summer of 2001.
The Wall is available for use in peace and discussion dialogue and prayer. You are invited to add your prayers and wishes along with ours for a better understanding, for peace and an end to violence in the Middle East.
Judybeth Greene, 2002
|
