Artist Tonika Johnson on landmark installation day
Inequity For Sale
Inequity for Sale is an artistic, critical exploration envisioned by social justice artist Tonika Johnson that looks at the racist practice of Land Sale Contracts (LSC) in Black neighborhoods, and how LSCs directly contributed to the wealth gap and community disinvestment we witness today. Borderless team collaborated closely with Tonika in designing one of the components of this project consisting of physical land markers installed in these properties to bring visibility to this issue.
The design process of these land markers included research, prototyping and coordination of fabrication and installation. Additional components of this project include a website documenting the stories of this period of plunder, a podcast documenting perspectives of different researches and activists invested in advocacy for reparations and restitutions, and a walking tour via the Vamonde app that connects this history with present-day conditions in Greater Englewood.
More about this project:
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2021-2022
Collaborators:
Graphic Design by JNJ Creative
Fabrication by Building Brown Workshop
Project Partners:
National Public Housing Museum
Amber Hendley - Lead Researcher: The Plunder of Black Wealth
Lauren Miranda - Graphic Design
Map of properties sold through a Land Sale Contract
Landmark installation day
Land Sale Contract Diagram. Illustration Adapted from Shame of Chicago: The Color Tax
Englewood Map With Land Sale Contract Properties Highlighted.
Project Framework
Landmark Prototype
Landmark Prototype #2
Material Test
Landmark Prototype #2
Landmark Elevation
Front and Back Panels Design with Fabrication Instructions
Panel Connection Detail
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Top and lateral views with connection details
Base design options
Landmark Prototype #1
Concept Design Study
Concept Design Study
Design Concept Inspiration on Real Estate Signage, Contractual Documents, and Landmark Signage.