I was recently informed that there are many female artists who have created artworks related to women’s rights and other current national issues, and that an art show featuring these works might soon be organized.
Why is having such a show important?
The soul of a nation is in its art, and to discover the state and condition off of the nation’s soul, we look to artists to interpret that. That means the expressions of not only visual artists, but also writers and all other sorts of creators and makers.
An exhibit that showcases women’s art will bring awareness to women’s rights and other issues confronting women, as well as human rights and societal issues in general. Among the feminist themes that might emerge from such a show would be related to LGBTQ concerns, menstruation, menopause, divorce, domestic abuse, childhood trauma, political and social injustice, inequality, and many others.
In such a show I would like to see instances of craftivism, which uses textile and other crafts—embroidery, crochet, and the like—to create works that make political statements. One example is the Pussy Hat, a crocheted or knitted pink hat with cat ears that was first used for the Women’s March in the US on Jan. 21, 2017, as a symbol of resistance.
Said its creator Krista Suh: “The pussy hat is now a part of our language. Some women’s rights supporters use it to communicate their pain, anger and determination to take down the patriarchy.”
I would also like to see the participation of women from the marginalized sectors, and not only artists from the bourgeoisie who can afford expensive art materials.
The former most need to have their stories shared and their voices heard because they are the ones who remain silent and unheard because they lack access to the usual platforms. This is where craftivism can come in, because not everyone knows how to paint or draw or has the materials to do so.
For example, Peruvian arpilleras —fabric rectangles upon which are appliqued figures that tell a story—first originated in the slums of Peru in the 1970s as a way of expressing feelings and emotions about an incident of land occupation that was carried out by a massive police force. The women who first made arpilleras used old, worn-out fabric and textile scraps to portray people and buildings, and thread to embroider details and text.
I imagine that bakers can use bread to create edible tableaus, weavers and embroiderers can use thread to bring stories to life, and crocheters and knitters can work words of resistance and solidarity on a piece or attach other media to it.
Anyone can use any medium to create art. What matters is having creativity, imagination, and the desire to make a statement or convey a message. I hope such a women’s art show will be inclusive and diverse, and provide a common platform where all Filipinas can make their voices heard.
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From the University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing: “The ICW is issuing a special call for submissions to 40@40, a commemorative issue of Likhaan: The Journal of Contemporary Philippine Literature.
“The anthology will be released on the ICW’s ruby anniversary in December 2018.
“The ICW began in 1978 as the UP Creative Writing Center, and will be celebrating a 40-year legacy of excellence and leadership in creative writing and national cultural development. 40@40 will showcase 40 new, unpublished works from a roster of writers closely affiliated with the institution, namely the ICW’s fellows, associates, advisers, awardees, and the alumni of the UP National Writers’ Workshops.
“UP Vice President for Public Affairs and former ICW Director Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. will serve as the anthology’s editor. ICW Fellows Professor Emeritus Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo and Jun Cruz Reyes will serve as co-editors for English and Filipino, respectively.”
Submission in the following genres, in English and Filipino, not exceeding 10,000 words, will be accepted: one short story or novel excerpt, one to three poems, one literary or personal essay (memoirs, profiles, etc.), or one short play or play excerpt. Send via email to likhaan.40on40@gmail.com by July 31, 2018, at 5:00 pm.
For more details on format and other requirements, please visit panitikan.ph or email Managing Editor Pipay Warren at likhaan.40on40@gmail.com.
Dr. Ortuoste, a writer and researcher, has a PhD in Communication. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO