Member Profile: Looking Glasses

Several years ago, Fractured Atlas member Joshua Frankel was touring Northern Ireland. One of the stops on the tour was an attraction called the Peace Wall. “I expected some sort of wall covered in murals commemorating the peace process,” says Joshua. “In fact, the ‘Peace Wall’ is a twenty-five foot high wall topped with barbed wire that separates Protestant neighborhoods from Catholic neighborhoods. With no opportunity to meet each other, impressionable children believe hateful tales about their counterparts on the other side and lifelong prejudice takes root.”

Joshua’s experience inspired him to develop the video installation Looking Glasses as a way to counteract this phenomenon. Looking Glasses will consist of two identical installations, each containing a camera and a display. A base installation will remain in New York’s financial district, while a satellite installation travels around the world, connecting the neighborhood to physically and psychologically distant locations.

“The lives of average Americans are affected more than ever by the lives of those around the world, and vice-versa” explains Joshua. “But, with few exceptions, they never have a chance to stand face to face. The installation will allow viewers to look each other in the eye. There will be no audio link, making communication across the installation a kind of game. The geographically distant viewers will share an obstacle, and in doing so they will encounter their common humanity.”

Joshua’s project has attracted the attention of State Senator Tom Duane, who is helping Joshua navigate the logistical challenges related to permits and utilities.

“We are currently raising capital for the project. I’ve been utilizing Fractured Atlas’ programs to help with fundraising. Every step of the way has been very smooth, clear and precise.”