The Hostage Ribbon

The Hostage Ribbon was created within the first three months. Its purpose was simple and urgent: to bring the faces of the kidnapped into public view. Placed along a heavily traveled roadway, the installation needed to withstand weather, traffic, and distraction. Working with Sharon Rosenbaum, we chose the simplicity of a ribbon bearing faces that look directly at the passerby.

The children’s faces were enlarged and often positioned beside the elderly to underscore a devastating truth: these hostages could be anyone, our parents, siblings, grandparents, or children. During the first year of the installation, I was interviewed by a radio station in Germany and asked why I would create such a work while living so far removed from war. My answer was simple: How could I not? Responsibility does not stop at geography.