Ronald Rael’s “Teeter-Totter Wall” conceptualization from Borderwall as Architecture: A Manifesto for the U.S.-Mexico Boundary became a reality today. Custom built see-saws were transported by Ronald and his crew to Sunland Park, New Mexico, where a slatted borderwall fence separates it from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. With no advance planning for participants on the Mexico side of the fence, this unifying act took place.
Ronald states: “One of the most incredible experiences of my and Virginia San Fratello’s career [is] bringing to life the conceptual drawings of the Teeter-Totter 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 [CHOPEkE Collective] for collaborating with us, the guys at Taller Herrería in Ciudad Juárez for their fine craftsmanship, Ana Teresa Fernández for encouragement and support, and everyone who showed up on both sides including the beautiful families from Colonia Anapra, and Kerry Doyle, Kate Green, Ersela Kripa, Stephen Mueller, Juancarlos Reyes, Chris Gauthier and many others (you know who you are).”
