The Baltic Way was a peaceful political demonstration that occurred on August 23, 1989. Approximately 2 million people joined their hands to form a human chain spanning over 600 km across the three Baltic States – Estonian SSR, Latvian SSR, and Lithuanian SSR, republics of the Soviet Union. The protest was designed to draw global attention by demonstrating a desire for independence and illustrate solidarity among the three nations.
By refusing traditional stage decoration, a common unifying installation for whole Statue of Liberty square has been designed. A lifted background wall links together stage, screen, speech podium and the monument in the center and gives a spatial depth to the square. The wall is made of vertical side by side placed elements that symbolize togetherness. Kinetic elements swing in the wind and create area for light projections. Presidents and ministers from all three Baltic States gave a speech in the event and Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian national songs were played. To explain the national membership of speakers and music, Baltic State flag colors were projected on the kinetic wall.
