Paul Angert
Paul Angert is a Cleveland/Chicago-based Catholic artist currently studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Artist Statement:
72x84x60
Materials:
canvas, gravel, plaster, cardboard, burlap, steel, douglas fir, rope, sheep’s pelt
The southern border wall of the United States, bleak, yet imposing stands as an isolating, unnatural measure that sacrifices love, connection, and solidarity, for a false pretense of safety and security.
In addition to symbolizing humanities division, it significantly impacts wildlife. The Desert Bighorn Sheep that are native to much of the South Western United States and Northern Mexico have experienced enourmous habitat loss and their migration routes have been largely cut off as a direct result of the wall.
The symbols of the wall and the sheep materialized respectively, as an object of hate, and a vessel for the hated. The hollow cavity of the carcass and visible connection points between the pelt and internal metal frame create an inhabitable environment allowing for the viewer to enter into the broken body. Large wooden horns serve as a reminder of the great strength of the animal, yet in its current state seem to painfully distort the body with their weight.
The imposing metal structures that rise to confront the viewer further dwarf the carcass, adding to the sense of frailty and brokenness. The wall is an object of hate, but it is not hatred itself. Together the bighorn and the wall serve as dormant ruins, yet to be activated. As multiple viewers enter into the space, an encounter is created between the four distinct objects: the carcass, the first viewer, the opposing viewer, and the wall dividing them. One realizes that it is not the wall itself that led to the animals death, but rather the fear, hate, and intolerance present in oneself that brought about the death of the animal. The division of humanity stands erect between two individuals as their bodies are brought into conversation with one another and the contrasting metal. Just as Isaac was spared and the ram was slaughtered, humanity and the viewers continue to exist while the world and its inhabitants fade.