A heightened perspective
Nearly 30 years ago, a German artist named Hans Hemmert came up with a new concept for a performance art piece. Hemmert wanted to find a way to visually represent the power of seeing others in a different perspective and the significance of what it means to look another person in the eye.
The gist of this piece titled “Level” was this: Hemmert coordinated a gathering of people, all of a variety of heights. As every guest entered the room, they were asked to put on platform shoes that adjusted their height to exactly 2 meters (or just over 6 ½ feet). 
The shoes were simple, created from blue foam, and designed to be slipped on quickly. The goal of the art project was equally straightforward: to eliminate height differences and create a space where everyone could, quite literally, see eye to eye.
The evening event, hosted at an art gallery in Berlin, explored how something as simple (and often overlooked) as one’s height can shape social interaction, confidence, or even perceived authority. Whether we’re on the shorter or taller side, we can often take for granted the perspective we live with. Those who are taller might not think twice about their ability to see over the tops of others’ heads or reach things higher up. Those who are shorter can grow so used to looking up at people that they don’t know any different.
Throughout this artistic experiment, the artist noticed smiles on nearly everyone’s faces. It was a foreign and unfamiliar experience for everyone in the room. Everyone had a new perspective. More than that, everyone felt equal to the others in the room. At least, in their physical perception. No one was able to “look down” on another. And no one felt inferior for having to look up, either.
Of course, the whole art project was visually absurd. No one can walk around on foam platform shoes for the rest of their lives. And unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that kind of equality, physical or otherwise, that was visually represented in the room that day.
And yet, in other ways, the playful exhibit was a reminder of what each of us can strive for—both in life and in faith. We’re all better off when we attempt to see the world from a different perspective. We’re better humans when we recognize not every person is born on the same playing field, or with certain advantages or disadvantages. We’re better Christians when we look another person in the eyes (whether wearing platform shoes or not) and know they are just as deserving of love, respect, and compassion as anyone else.
Those beautiful words of Galatians come to mind: “There is no longer Jew or Greek; no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female…” If we could amend scripture just a bit, we might also add: “There is no longer 6’4” tall or 5’3” short… but when we take time to look each other in the eyes, we’re all one in Christ Jesus.”
-Katy Warren, associate pastor
Vicki Felger
Oh my dear Pastor Katy, the exact reading I need today!! I’m packing to move and of course some items that need to go in a box are higher that I can reach! I think if only I was 5 inches taller, this would be a breeze!! Do you have any extra blue foam shoes?? Thanks!!
Marcia Willi
My dearest Vicky where are you moving to? I hope you’re still local?
Deb Lamp
Katy, good reminder and we need to remember we are all one for Christ. Thankyou