BLOOD and DIRT: Five Art Projects Against Imperialist Globalization

Friday, October 16
at 6:00pm

888 Vibers Bar & Resto
Leveriza Street, Pasay City, Philippines

Organized by: Southern Tagalog Exposure, Guni Guri Collective, Ugatlahi Artistcollective and Artists Arrest

BLOOD AND DIRT
Five Art Projects Against Imperialist Globalization

Europe! Beautiful!

And the birth of machines helped capitalism perfect itself. What is intended to help humanity served profit instead.

And the perfection of capitalism lead to big corporations reigning supreme in the free market.

But such perfection seems not so perfect at all, as the rise and fall of industrialized economies leave painful scars, and it hurts more in every fall because it is in fact deeper than the previous one, and gets deeper every time it comes again.

And the shamans are summoned to the halls of the new corporate kings, to preach at the new pulpits of modern economy, to concoct by whatever magic some form of cure. But alas! Their magic falls short. No one buys the formulations nor the hint of an apologia of their moribund system.

America! Make way!

And the answer was pointed overseas, as did the conquistadors of antiquity. Under dollar and bayonet, establish neo-colonies in foreign shores and make them carry the yoke of the Western crisis of capitalism. What inventive progress!! Medieval means to answer modern crises! Behold: more chilling is the obedience of the local feudal lords.

And imperialism was born from capitalist failures: rotten at the core, cry of every poor child, burden and hurt of every toiling mother and father–scourge of the earth!

In the age of imperialist globalization, US dominance shifts focus in the Asia Pacific. And as every puppet government complies, state fascism escalates to serve and protect foreign interests. Hence, four art groups converge in a project to expose and oppose this modern plague. Linked by concerns on people’s culture and national identity, the five components of this project intend to attest to art’s role in society, not only does it reflect reality it takes part in paving way for change.

Project Components:

LIGALIG: Portraits of Human Insecurity and Public Unrest
Photo Exhibit
Southern Tagalog Exposure and Artists’ ARREST

Almost six years since his ascension to the presidency that was fuelled by popular clamor against his predecessor, the nation under the Aquino Administration faces the same social malaise and terror perpetrated by past regimes. Human rights violations are common occurrences, land reform is a sham, corruption is still rampant, and national sovereignty and patrimony are compromised and disregarded.

Ligalig: Portraits of Human Insecurity and Public Unrest is an attempt to expose the real face of the nation normally covered in a scheme that justifies unfair and unjust programs of the ruling clique. Employing the power of photographs as testimony and a tool for constructing alternative narratives, Ligalig tries to cover some social issues and flaws that summarize the 6 years of bankrupt, anti-people and fascist government of Aquino.

Twenty-five to thirty photographs from various local photographers depicting the country’s state of environment, labor, sovereignty, agrarian development, social movements, indigenous people, migration, social services, culture and peace talks, among others, will be showcased during the exhibition.

DAG-IM
Visual Arts Exhibit
Guni-Guri Collective

How do we define horror?

With DAG-IM, artists from the Quezon-based Guni-Guri Collective will create visual representations of real situations that are bringing fear and terror in the country, particularly in the countryside– from human rights violations to social injustices, down to cases of distress experienced by individuals.

While ordinary citizens and the basic sectors are being neglected such as the small coco farmers and workers, the real monsters in the government perpetuate the current oppressive system for their benefit.

At least 20 pieces of art installation or assemblage, sculpture, paintings and photos on wood and canvass with a minimum size of 18×24 up to 24×36 inches will comprise the visual exhibit.

Portraits of Uncle Sam
Visual Arts Exhibit
UGATLahi Artist Collective

Portraits of Uncle Sam is an exploration in portrait form on the subject of the manifold monstrosities of US imperialism throughout history, as known from the history books, from studying current events, and from learning from people themselves.

The format is portrait, showing a facet of the subject as observed/studied by the participant. Size is 18×24 inches maximum, to maximize participation in a limited space, in any medium the artist may choose.

Blood and Dirt
Gig/Concert

The event aims to gather local bands and performers unified by a principled stand in putting an end to the various atrocities of the US-Aquino government against the Filipino people. The concert also hopes to stir more discussion and awareness about pressing political and social issues.

Eight to ten bands will be part of the line up and will be requested to express their solidarity in line with the advocacy of the event, especially for the plight of the common people.

CINEMAKABAYAN
Film Screening
Southern Tagalog Exposure

Banking on the power of cinema in shaping a social imaginary, CINEMAKABAYAN will showcase a line-up of short films, animations and documentaries that expose, on one hand, the many ways on how we are affected by the US hegemony worsened by the local ruling faction. On the other, the films explore the struggles and triumphs of the basic sectors in making their voices heard and in aspiring for a better world.

CINEMAKABAYAN is targeted to be held on the last day of the exhibit, with audience being the students and other film enthusiasts. A discussion will ensue after the screening.

Features:
The Exenadors
Some Came Running
Communion
Do Not Pet
A New Propaganda
Sungay ni Simon
Malicious Existence
State of Calamity
Musicians for Peace
Anak Dalita
Black Propaganda