Archive

Obstructed paths

As part of the exhibition

“Barrier-free! – City without obstacles?"


Performance and sculpture by Joachim Eckl

29. Oktober – 17th of December 2003
Wiener Planungswerkstatt
Vienna

 

A sculpture as irritation and barrier
The sidewalk in front of the “Planungswerkstatt” was obstructed by a massive brick wall (approx. 2,5 metres high) over the whole width. The redirection lead through the arcades or past the exhibition “Barrier-free!”. The brick wall as a barrier was jointly erected with disabled people who made their mark with it. This barrier and its targeted use served as ingenious symbol during the event and visualized the situation and criticism of disabled people in society. The brick wall also served as helpful guidance system in and for the exhibition “Barrier-free!”. “Obstructed paths” is an artistic performance which was completed by the opening of the exhibition. The edification itself was well documented as art campaign, which perforates the everyday life and therefore makes new levels of meaning of a daily act visible - in particular the building of a brick wall. The documentation was part of the exhibition.

 

Sculpture as obstacle
The social sculpture but also the reshaping of usual objects into a different shape of normality. Building a wall across the sidewalk together with disabled people. Persuade them to act jointly, to savour the result. To force apparently normal, not disabled people to use detours, like physically disabled people have to do all the time. “Obstructed paths” is a trace of understanding, collectivity and solidarity into a different world. The wall shows the existing obstacles in our world for physically disabled people.