Step two: Snorkel the animals

Just as Homer Simpson tried his part at conceptual art with the "Grand Canals of Springfield" to make the world a more magical place, French artist Clara Halter (who is a real conceptual artist) is doing her part to make the world a more peaceful place. You might remeber Ms. Halter from such exhibits as Gates of Peace in Hiroshima, the Peace Tower in St. Petersburg, or the Wall for Peace in Paris (I am beginning to notice a theme). Recently, there have been advertisements for Halter's Peace Tents all over town. This afternoon, I decided to take a look-see.

Part of the Peace Tents is on the side of a mountain in the Abu Tor neighborhood, while the other part is on the Armon Hanatziv Promenade. There is a giant banner draped over the side of the mountain with the word for "peace" written on it in five languages. The large sheet of fabric covers 10,000 square meters.


On the promenade, which opposes the cliff, there are 15 tents with the word for peace in 49 different languages written on them.




Halter talks about the word "peace:"

I have collected this word, which I have repeated time and again ad infinitum, in a number of languages and different alphabets. As a result, I have discoverd the beauty in the various writings of the world, these ancient characters and their never-ending meanings. This word "peace" which is examined incessantly, is at at once the expression of a universal desire and an invitation to spread this desire around the world.

Just as Homer's Grand Canals inspired the residents of Springfield to live more magical lives, hopefully Halter's (no relation to Shane that I know of) work will have a similar effect on the residents of the world to embrace peace.

Now, I am going to go on a ridiculous Simpson reference spree (just to warn you).
Unlike Home's creation, the Peace Tents won't require Milhouse to get out his flood pants.


[groans] I hate these flood pants. [opens door and water comes in up to his
ankles] Hey, they're working! My feet are soaked, but my cuffs are bone dry!
Everything's comin' up Milhouse! [struts out]

Unlike, Homer's creation, the Peace Tents won't require Homer and Bart to snorkel the animals. Or, at least we hope not.




I'll get the pony, while you get the lion

On a slightly more serious note, the Peace Tents helped kick off a summer-long French cultural series aimed at mending relations with Israel.