Atlanta is getting its very own border wall courtesy of artist Joseph Guay.
The Border Wall is a public art installation inspired by the $21 Billion wall for the US/Mexico border proposed by President Donald Trump .
Guay's wall is 40 feet by 16 feet of steel, rebar and concrete that was constructed by one dozen undocumented Mexican labor workers. It will be erected next week in an undisclosed location in Midtown. The wall which features an American flag and Mexican flag on either side will be officially unveiled June 14, national Flag Day.
While he has strong feelings about Trump's proposed wall, Guy said he is taking a neutral position on immigration in order to allow his art to stand on its own.
"The purpose of this installation is to create social awareness of the issues surrounding immigration in the United States," said Guay on his website.
But that hasn't stopped the criticism from flowing. Guay said he has been attacked personally for the project.
"I knew people would get upset, but I had one person say 'It figures the rich, white, privileged guy from a wealthy family would do this.'" Since I was 15, I have been financially taking care of my family, so that one really bothered me," said Guay by phone.
Another individual has threatened to report him to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for employing undocumented workers, he said.
His goal was to create something that serves as a tribute to Trump on one side and a tribute to Mexico on the other side. "I have yet to tell anyone that I am for or against it, so when they are attacking it, how do you know what side I'm on?" he said.
Guay wants people to leave their comments on the wall, graffiti style, instead of trolling him online. "I think it is important to do stuff like this to draw that out of people. I say put it on the wall," he said.
His crew of workers have created the steel structure and another group will pour the concrete, all in an effort to create a moveable object that can be pieced together as an art installation rather than attached to the ground, which would require permits from the city.
The workers are aware that they could be at risk, but they felt it was important to be part of the effort.
"They know they are risking themselves to do this and I am purposely putting this on the radar. It is hard for them and it is hard for me, but they know it needs to be said," Guay said.
The workers, he said, want Americans to know they are here to help the country and build and work on behalf of all people.
"Very few are doing it for themselves. Most of them are here to provide and give to their children a better life and that is honorable," said Guay.
