La Moneda Plazza

Santiago de Chili

Unbuilt proposal for the subway station ‘La Moneda’ in Santiago de Chili. Designed by Françoise Schein and Federica Matta

It is on this plazza that Salvador Allende was assassinated in 1973

 

“The tragedy of September 11 was a calamity. It was an attack on democracy, freedom, and sovereignty and on our most elementary human rights. Nothing in our society will ever be the same again”

This quote, contrary to appearances, refers to September 11, 1973, the day on which Salvador Allende, the democratically elected Marxist president of Chile, was overthrown in a military coup. There is evidence that, during Allende’s rule, the American administration and the CIA carried out covert operations in Chile in order to undermine Allende and his Popular Unity Government. On the orders of the US government, the CIA financed activities covering a broad spectrum, from propaganda and manipulation of the press in Chile and elsewhere, to direct attempts to trigger a military coup. All in all, $8 million was spent in the 3 years between Allende’s election victory and his downfall

in September 1973

The design of this proposal is a collaboration with Federica Matta, the chilian painter’s daughter, who had wished to make a human rights  installation in her father’s country. “La Moneda” is the site in Santiago, where Salvador Allende was assassinated by Pinochet’s men. Our proposal is a mix of very colorful tiles and ceramic sculptures. The text of the Human Rights is inscribed all along the plateforms of the station.

 

“Workers of my fatherland, have faith in Chile and her destiny.
Others will overcome this grey, sad moment when treason strains to conquer.
Go forward knowing that much more sooner than later,
the great avenues will open anew to let pass free people to build a better society”

 

Salvador Allende’s last words, La Moneda, 11 September 1973

 

© Copyright Association Inscrire 2009