Walls and memories: contemporary art in dialogue with defensive structures

Abstract

This article aims to examine how contemporary art challenges and expands the symbolic meanings of structures erected as defensive barriers throughout history. To this end, it conducts a study of the works Untitled [Wall at the back of my house], MURO, The Castle, Comercial São Luís – Everything in one place for the lowest price, and The Great Wall Walk. The investigation is grounded in theoretical material on the works and in the study of the political approach to space in visual arts. The analysis of these works’ narratives demonstrates that these artistic proposals foster reflections on segregation, identity, and memory, offering a critical perspective on the complexities of these structures in contemporary society.