44.6 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). A Consequence of Redlining

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Artist: Julia Feldman

Title: 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). A Consequence of Redlining

Attribution: 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). A Consequence of Redlining, 2021, Julia Feldman

Year: 2021

Materials: Repurposed wool, linen, silk, ribbon, hand embroidery

Dimensions: 5 x 37 x 2in

Image Statement: "Redlining" - the term for refusals to give loans or insurance to entire groups of people based on racially-motivated concerns for safety and investments. Redlining resulted in densely packed urban neighborhoods for Black residents, while White residents were allowed to purchase and live in more spacious neighborhoods. These densely-packed urban environments also have fewer green areas and more man-made materials that absorb heat, leading to "urban heat islands." In these locations - to this day primarily populated by people of color and people with low socioeconomic status - surface air temperatures have been measured up to 44.6F/7C higher than nearby neighborhoods populated by primarily White residents and people of higher socioeconomic status.