Art is a bridge. It connects the mind to reality.
One of the most powerful connections that art can make is between people. Art can bring the CEO next to a hipster in a stank bar to indulge in some tunes. Art can reach deep into our soul as we explore the fallacy of our thoughts on material things. Art can even connect us to people we may not know. Art that tells the story of the unknown is among the most powerful in creating change. When we bring light to mystery it allows us to see and navigate.
In 1999 multidisciplinary artist Alfredo Jaar sought to bring to light a dark issue in Montreal. He used the amazing canvas of the Copula of the Marche Bonsecours to tell a story of homelessness in the city. “Lights of the City” thoughtfully considered how to draw attention to an issue that society would rather ignore. On many occasions portraits have captured the story of overlooked people, but “Lights of the City” sought to maintain the dignity of the subjects and not exploit their current circumstances. With respect, the instillation drew attention to the situation and suggested that it is only temporary.
As a monumental part of the sky line, the canvas was a beacon for much of the city. Jaar installed a hundred thousand watts of red lights into the copula. The lights could be flashed on with audience participation at several strategically located switches. The switches were placed in the office of an organization that serves the homeless, and several missions located within 500 yards of the copula. Every time a homeless person entered any of the institutions they were welcome to flip the switch. This allowed the individual to be recognized without being humiliated.
Jaar created a connection for society. Just as a bridge cannot deliver us to our destination, his installation alone cannot eradicate homeless. It is on society to press onto our goal of a better life.
As a final thought I wanted to share some words from fellow Baltimore artist Gaia, on how to take this installation to the next level:
“Eventually all the shelters for homeless people in Montreal could be wired and connected to the Cupola. This way, a major landmark and historical monument in the city would be acting as a non-stop lighthouse, producing endless, painful distress signals to society.
With enough media coverage and public outrage and support triggered by these ongoing distress signals, homelessness could be completely eradicated from Montreal.”
