Painting a giant mural with 20ft women in warrior pose as the centerpiece attracts some attention- invites some discussion. Im always happy to engage the public and hear out their interpretations of the piece and see what they see for a moment. It widens my vision and challenges my decisions as a public artist. This summers mural is about teen pregnancy and female empowerment. Women and girls are at the center of the narrative but there is a lot of space where the design invites everyone and anyone to reflect and question and discuss- arguably the entire design does this. Ive noticed that more women frequent the block than men but Weve received compliments from both. Recently a woman shared with us that she passed the mural with her 5year old daughter and her baby girl said to her pointing to the section of books under lock and key- the lock being struck open by the 20ft girls warrior- look mommy shes unlocking knowledge I was relieved and thrilled that what we designed was reaching such a wide audience and was decipherable to a small child who could articulate so clearly our intent. An elder applauded the centerpiece which is intended to encourage the relationship of older women to help young women and girls pass safely through the gateway of womanhood. She said we need women to do more of that instead of cutting each other down all the time. Then you have other commentary from men. This Friday a man and a woman approached us with a bit of concern and reproach to ask us why the giant women were so close. what exactly are you promoting- because they look like they are about to kiss . I wanted to say no theyre not but my next mural will feature giant women kissing passionately to promote boundless love instead I clarified that it was a relationship of mentorship and guidance. And I take to explaining our concepts. He then says well where are the men? Women cannot live without men I reply thats debatable sir he says you should put a man there in the background so this could also speak to men and boys. I reply. I think that it does. Because men and boys need a visual culture that expands their ideas of how a woman should be portrayed. They need to see women this way because the only other 20ft image of women they have seen is of us half naked to sell some beer or some ones product or draped over the arm of a man. So yes- this mural is for men and boys too. They need it as much as we do The back and forth went on for a bit and then ended. Several times the man spoke over me as I was talking explaining my ideas and several times I had to sharply assert not to interrupt me and let me finish so he could receive the explanation he invited. I leave this experience wondering why men dont ask to be inserted into those objectifying larger than life ads of half naked women sellin shit? Is it because they dont see it as powerful ? The minute you create your own image of power and reclaim the feminine for the feminine - its a lot of where are the men. Why arent we included -Im like sucka - u aint include women when you designed the patriarchy- go fly a kite. Move- I got stuff to do.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 01:16:15 +0000
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