Detroit Artwork Calls For Demolition Of Blighted Homes
BRIGHTMOOR (WWJ/AP) – An artist known for his controversial artwork in Detroit has completed another project that calls for the demolition of abandoned homes while also commenting on the upcoming presidential election.
Ryan Mendoza covered two deserted houses in northwest Detroit that are almost next-door neighbors with white paint.
He drilled bullet-sized holes to form the name "Clinton" on one home and "Trump" on the other. At night, the candidates' names glow with LED lights.
The project began when John O'Malley, whose home sits in the middle of the two painted houses, told Mendoza about the challenges of blighted homes in his neighborhood. Mendoza offered to buy the houses and pay for demolition costs.
Mendoza says O'Malley's home reflects how the Detroit resident is stuck in between the two houses, no matter who is elected.
Area crime watchdog and YouTube shamer Jonathan Pommerville is lending his help to the cause posting video and photos of the installation. He agrees with how O'Malley's feels disenfranchised by the American political system. "These two candidates are bigger than life and the common man that's stuck between them is left behind," said Pommerville.
The art has brought positive attention and visitors to the neighborhood according to Pommerville.
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