Nine Photographs, April 2022
Image Descriptions
Walls Within, One: Deborah Kennedy, artist and author, created the last series of large-scale installations on the Berlin Wall in 1989. I also photographed myself with the hats of the active military in the area. This photo shows me in front of the Berlin Wall with a French military cap on. I was inspired to do this by an East German who shared this hope with me, "Break down the enemy pictures."
Walls Within, Two: In 1989, I created four large-scale artworks on the Berlin Wall. I also photographed myself with the hats of the active military in the area. This photo shows me in front of the Berlin Wall with an American military cap on. I was inspired to do this by an East German who shared this hope with me, "Break down the enemy pictures." I am standing in front of a wall installation by Peter Unsicker, a noted Mauer artist, consisting of fractured mirrors applied to the wall. Every passerby saw themselves reflected in the Wall.
Walls Within, Three: This photograph, Walls Within: Berlin Wall, East Germany, is a self portrait with an East German military cap taken six months before the Wall fell. The image suggests the vulnerability of the individual confronting the unrestrained power of a military police state. Sadly, the United States' wall on the border of Mexico, and its ensuing humanitarian and environmental crisis, brings contemporary relevance to this work. This photograph was displayed on a billboard in Los Angeles for The Billboard Creative 2021 exhibit.
Walls Within, Berlin Wall, East Germany: This photograph is of a billboard in Los Angeles displayed for The Billboard Creative 2021 exhibit. This photograph, Walls Within: Berlin Wall, East Germany, is a self portrait with an East German military cap taken six months before the Wall fell. I am standing before the Wall with images of the Statue of Liberty’s face above me. These images were part of my initial attempt to install the artwork Liberty Gate. During these first efforts, the British military police seized my passport and threatened to confiscate it if I proceeded. I was able to install Liberty Gate in the American sector. The image suggests the vulnerability of the individual confronting the unrestrained power of a military police state. Sadly, the United States' wall on the border of Mexico, and its ensuing humanitarian and environmental crisis, brings contemporary relevance to this work. Photographer: Ruben Diaz.
Walls Within, Four: This altered photograph brings a new sensibility to my Berlin Wall self-portraits.
BridgeWork, One: In 1989, I created the last series of large-scale artworks on the surface of the Berlin Wall. When I returned home I built Walls Within, a large-scale installation focused on the unyielding inner barriers between ourselves and people of other races and religions. I also created a series of photographs, this one captured seeking connection with with my Asian friend.
BridgeWork, Two: In 1989, I created the last series of large-scale artworks on the surface of the Berlin Wall. When I returned home I built Walls Within, a large-scale installation focused on the unyielding inner barriers between ourselves and people of other races and religions. I also created a series of photographs, this one captured seeking connection with my gay neighbour.
BridgeWork, Three: In 1989, I created the last series of large-scale artworks on the surface of the Berlin Wall. When I returned home I built Walls Within, a large-scale installation focused on the unyielding inner barriers between ourselves and people of other races and religions. I also created a series of photographs, this one captured a desire to shelter my dear Jewish friend.
BridgeWork, Four: In 1989, I created the last series of large-scale artworks on the surface of the Berlin Wall. When I returned home I built Walls Within, a large-scale installation focused on the unyielding inner barriers between ourselves and people of other races and religions. I also created a series of photographs, this one captured seeking connection with my Mexican American friend.
Deborah Kennedy’s work focuses on the challenging relationship between ourselves and the larger natural world. Her last major project is a book featuring her ecopoetry and detailed ink illustrations entitled Nature Speaks: Art and Poetry for the Earth—a recipient of the 2017 Silver Nautilus and the 2017 Eric Hoffer Poetry Book Awards. Her work has also appeared in numerous journals online and in print. Kennedy lives in San Jose, CA, where she teaches art and poetry workshops and presents poetry readings with her artwork to student, poetry and ecology groups. Her poetry and art can be enjoyed at https://www.instagram.com/deborahkennedyart/ and https://www.deborahkennedyart.com/. Deborah hopes you will support BioIntegrity’s global climate change solutions.
