Trending
“Teeter Totter Wall” on border lets children play together
Two professors executed a design 10 years in the making that briefly allowed people to happily engage with one another on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
Jessica
08.01.19

We can learn a lot from children.

Not yet jaded by bigotry and political squabbles, they’re much better at recognizing that anyone can be a friend.

That’s what two professors were hoping to prove with an art installation on a section of the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

Ronald Rael via Instagram
Source:
Ronald Rael via Instagram

Of course, this is a hot-button issue right now as adults argue over the feasibility, ethics, and usefulness of building a longer wall to stop immigration into the U.S.

But if this project proves anything it’s that no wall can truly keep people apart.

Ronald Rael via Instagram
Source:
Ronald Rael via Instagram

The “Teetertotter Wall” is the brainchild of UC-Berkeley architecture professor Ronald Rael and San Jose State design professor Virginia San Fratello.

They imagined the concept back in 2009 and have finally made it a reality 10 years later.

Ronald Rael via Instagram
Source:
Ronald Rael via Instagram

In an Instagram post that quickly went viral, Prof. Rael posted a video of the fully-installed seesaws with kids AND adults from both countries happily playing together.

The goal was to illustrate that we are all “connected in meaningful ways on both sides with the recognition that the actions that take place on one side have a direct consequence on the other side.”

Rael called it “One of the most incredible experiences” of his career and said the event was “filled with joy, excitement, and togetherness at the borderwall.”

Ronald Rael via Instagram
Source:
Ronald Rael via Instagram

Everyone involved is seen chatting and laughing as they play together on the hot pink seesaws which are brightly juxtaposed against the imposing brown steel barrier and desert backdrop.

Ronald Rael via Instagram
Source:
Ronald Rael via Instagram

The event took place in Sunland Park, New Mexico in the U.S. and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico where the pink toys were slid through slats in the wall.

According to People Magazine, there was no drama during the event even though there was no advance knowledge of it on the Mexican side of the border. Nevertheless, people were drawn to the colorful, spontaneous playground.

As you might imagine, there were plenty of negative reactions among the sea of positive feelings, despite the fact that nothing was exchanged across the border except good will.

Ronald Rael via Instagram
Source:
Ronald Rael via Instagram

Customs and Border Patrol announced that they intervened in the July 28th event, which came to an end not long after it started on the same day:

“The group removed the boards and left the area without incident after it was established that there was no advance coordination. Agents ensured that no people/goods were crossed during the encounter.”

Ronald Rael via Instagram
Source:
Ronald Rael via Instagram

In the end, no harm was done (unless you consider tolerance to be harmful) and the “Teetertotter Wall” was a unique and creative demonstration of how artists respond to politics – in this case, not just of the current administration, but the previous ones as well, which played a role in constructing parts of the wall.

Scroll down below to see the original Instagram post along with video from the event.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

View this post on Instagram

One of the most incredible experiences of my and @vasfsf’s career bringing to life the conceptual drawings of the Teetertotter Wall from 2009 in an event filled with joy, excitement, and togetherness at the borderwall. The wall became a literal fulcrum for U.S. – Mexico relations and children and adults were connected in meaningful ways on both sides with the recognition that the actions that take place on one side have a direct consequence on the other side. Amazing thanks to everyone who made this event possible like Omar Rios @colectivo.chopeke for collaborating with us, the guys at Taller Herrería in #CiudadJuarez for their fine craftsmanship, @anateresafernandez for encouragement and support, and everyone who showed up on both sides including the beautiful families from Colonia Anapra, and @kerrydoyle2010, @kateggreen , @ersela_kripa , @stphn_mllr , @wakawaffles, @chris_inabox and many others (you know who you are). #raelsanfratello #borderwallasarchitecture

A post shared by Ronald Rael (@rrael) on

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.
Advertisement