Collaboration
Memorial to the abolition of slavery
Nantes – France, 2012
The Quai de la Fosse in Nantes has been the docking-point for ships involved in the slave trade. It is where a memorial was conceived as part of a project by the Polish artist Krzysztof Wodiczko and the architect Julian Border. The commemorative walkway is composed of a vast pedestrianised esplanade in which 2,000 blocks of glass, each bearing the name of a ship from the French slave trade, are randomly placed. The blocks are inserted into the walking surface.
Technique
Each block of glass contains a text in metallic letters.
A plate of brushed aluminium was laminated onto the bottom of each block, reflecting the natural light, adding to the sense of depth and creating individual reflections.
The blocks were each set in a metal housing that was sealed to the walking surface.
Architect
Julian Border
Artist
Krzysztof Wodiczko
Conception and realisation
Atelier Barrois
Client
Urban Community of Nantes
