The IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology hosts Eskenazi School Herman B Wells Professor Arthur Liou’s video installation “Whispers from the Divide," Through a series of pilgrimages to key locations along the US-Mexico border, Liou records a first-person journey and offers an immersive experience that transcends mere observation and seeks to encapsulate the tangible and intangible barriers the border presents. The work fosters a space for empathy and understanding amidst a backdrop of political tumult and the complicated issues surrounding immigration and identity.
As described by Liou, "When 'Whispers from the Divide' was conceived in 2018, the language of 'The Wall' was used as a political token, overshadowing every social, economic, and humanitarian discussion about immigration policy. I hope this project will bring a fresh viewpoint to the current events and a space for us to envision the border in different settings.”
Watch a trailer for "Whispers from the Divide":
On view through May 2025, the bilingual (Spanish and English) exhibition features an interactive space where guests and community members can share their stories of visiting the US-Mexico border.
“Whispers from the Divide” was made possible by the generous support from the College Arts and Humanities Institute, the Public Arts and Humanities Project Grant at Indiana University, Bloomington, and the Indiana University Mexico Gateway.