THE WALL (2019)
Burning Man (Nevada)
Belgian artist Tom Herck has created a monumental nine-meter-tall piñata, drawing inspiration from the Trojan Horse and symbolizing Mexican heritage, as a commentary on the border wall once proposed by Donald Trump. This piece, titled The Wall, stands against a massive wooden structure measuring twelve meters wide and four meters high. The artwork invites dialogue on a highly polarized issue in the United States, reflecting Herck's belief that open conversation can prevent the creation of echo chambers and divisive groups that may otherwise fuel conflict and violence.

Regardless of one’s stance—left or right, progressive or conservative—Herck emphasizes our shared humanity, represented in the piece by the diverse perspectives embedded within it. Visitors at the Burning Man Festival donated items of clothing to cover the piñata, creating a vibrant tapestry that embodies the collective voices and creativity of the participants. In this textile, we can find something what we all share as people, our human DNA.

In a world where walls and borders often stifle dialogue, and “cancel culture” is prevalent, Herck’s installation challenges this norm, suggesting that when communication is silenced, violence frequently follows. The piñata, traditionally filled with candy to symbolize hope, is deliberately left empty, reflecting the hidden agendas and complex motivations of those wielding power. Through this work, Herck encourages viewers to engage with each other beyond physical and ideological boundaries, fostering understanding amid division.

Text by Lara van Oudenaarde
Pictures by Tom Herck
Special thanx: Jan Hendrikx, Leander Kippers, Nick Van Soest, Kris Mathijs, Roel Stels, Jeremy Mouton.