Face for the Faceless

So in the beginning of the fall of 2008 the Southeast Region of the AIDemocracy network put on a contest encouraging students to submit works of art that expresses the complex emotions and feelings that are involved in doing this work of the soul and not the belly.

The winner of this contest was Colleen M. Stewart, a sophmore at Western Kentucky University. Colleen not only won a few neat prizes from our partners at HBO, but she will also be invited to speak about her artistic experiences and perspectives at an upcoming regional event.

Here is her winning submission and a short description about the project itself:

“Faceless people of the 3rd world.”

“So often we neglect to realize the rich culture and beauty of 3rd world
countries. The invisible children, the women of the Mideast, tribal
cultures are often homogenized in the media and we begin to see them as
we would faceless people. In these cultures lie incredible talents,
aptitudes, and individualities to be fostered. We must unveil the
potential of these faceless people while preserving their beautiful
cultures.”

COLLEEN M. STEWART

She also got interviewed by me, let’s check it out:

When did you first realize the power of art on you and your world?

I grew up on art going to museums and art shows and watching my mom
paint. Art was ingrained in me early on so I can’t really say there was
one moment that I realized it… I just have always known that it is a
part of everything, everywhere.

When did you first realize the awesome potential that art has in
engaging others on social justice issues?

During the summer of my junior year I applied for Cincinnati ArtWorks,
which is a full time summer job as an art apprentice. I was assigned to
an interactive kenetic bike sculpture project that portrayed
environmental issues and the need for alternative energy. It was
installed in the Contemporary Art Center for two years and I was so
lucky to be a part of a piece that touched and educated so many people.
It was displayed in the children “unmuseum” and my senior year I
decided to teach inner city kids art once a week. Their excited eyes
emphasized the power of art on society like no experience every has.

What was the inspiration behind your painting?

The painting depicts “invisible people” around the world… tribal communities, women (in many cultures,) and children of many third world
countries. “Invisible” is implied by their lack of faces, but the beauty
and vigor of their cultures and the individuals is the focus of the
piece. These people retain hope and strength under desperate
circumstances and oppression.

What was the medium you used to get your paint on?

I used acrylic paint, colored pencil, and watercolors for this piece.
My favorite media is mixed media.

Who are some of your favorite creative people?

I’ve come across some of the most eccentric and creative friends in
college… never a boring day. Musicians, performers, writers, dancers,
painters… they color my everyday life. It is a beautiful thing to see
know the people behind the art. It shines light on so many facets of
the piece and the person.

Who and what has influenced your evolution as an artist?

My high school art teacher of 3 years was a selfless and inspirational
teacher and friend. Everyone in my life has influenced my art because it
is a reflection of the people, places, and thoughts that surround me and
shape my perspective on the world.

If you had to be on a desert island forever, with a dog or a cat,
which one would you choose and why?

I slightly prefer cats because they are so independent and regal, but
if I were stranded on an island I think I would feel safer and less
lonely with a dog companion.

Where are you from originally?

I was born and raised about 15 minutes outside of Cincinnati in northern
Kentucky. Before college I had lived in the same house all my life. I
don’t plan staying in any one place for that long again.

What are you studying at Western Kentucky?

I started out as an art major, but I am now a News/Editorial Journalism
major. I love writing, current events, and the stories people tell when
you listen and ask questions. It’s funny… I’m usually interviewing,
not being interviewed.

What is one secret that most people don’t know about Colleen M. Stewart?

I have a birthmark on my right side. It bothered me as a kid, but now I
often forget it’s there.

What is on your music playing device (computer/CD
player/Ipod/etc.) currently?

My ipod and computer are my two main sources of music, and I like
streaming radio programming online. Still, nothing compares to live
music or music made by friends.

If you could meet one person throughout history, dead or alive,
Who would it be and what you guys do and why?

I would have to say Obama. It would be fun to hang out with many
historical figures that have passed, but he is on the brink of his
legacy and I would love to speak with him at such a crucial time. I
think I would like to travel with and report on him… or swing
dance… he looks like he could dance well.

If you could go back in time and live the life of a famous artist/creative person, who would it be and why?

I just had a semester-long class on Hemingway and Faulkner so the first
person that comes to mind is Hemingway. He was a journalist, traveler,
writer, boxer, ladies man, a man’s man… everything. He lived such a
full life.

What is your most memorable activist experience?

The most memorable experience was definitely ONE day at Western last
year when we won the national ONE campus challenge… very united
feeling.

What is your most favorite flavor of ice cream?

I don’t really like ice cream, but probably something vanilla, pumpkin,
or coffee tasting.

The face of a campus leader ladies and gentleman!

The Power of Performance to Promote lasting Peace

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1218/p09s02-coop.html

” Baghdad – The actor stands on a makeshift stage at a bombed-out, dusty intersection in Baghdad. It’s an unusually cool evening in September, and a crowd that looks like most of the neighborhood has assembled to enjoy the rare entertainment.  “Sunni! Shiite!” he yells. “Whatever ethnic group – I don’t care! Spurn each other’s hand no longer. Long life and success – to both of you!”  This is the message of reconciliation carried by the Al Mada street theater troupe, led by one of Iraq’s rising female stars, Ghada Hussein Al-Almy . . .”

So begins an article published yesterday in the Christian Science Monitor that shows a side of Iraq not often portrayed in the mainstream media.   The article, titled “ In Iraq, a different kind of drama stages a message of reconciliation “, discusses an Iraqi “theatre resistance” troupe that seeks to reclaim culture as a tool for peace in a country where culture it is often used for divisive ends.  Ms Almy, a professor at Baghdad University, is described as part of a growing network of female community leaders in Iraq engaged in grassroots, creative efforts to fight back against terrorists and suicide bombers.  “We are trying to use culture as a weapon” she is quoted as saying, “we want to make the terrorists feel the strength of our culture.”

The article is written by Edward O’Connell and Cheryl Benard, directors of the RAND Alternative Strategy Initiative.  I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. O’Connell at an AID retreat recently where he spoke about the untapped potential of grassroots cultural and civil society groups (like Al-Mada street theatre troupe)  in the Middle East.   Government and military officials in Iraq and elsewhere often turn to supposed experts when their best allies are really women like Ms. Almy who have a deep understanding of the problems on the ground and the will and power to change them from the inside.  The better strategy according to Mr. O’Connell is to partner with these moderates and progressives and support their efforts.   In fact, sometimes the best foreign policy approach is to connect civic organizations in the US to civic organizations in Iraq (or elsewhere), NGO to NGO, in order to build smart, sustainable peace and a civil society that is self-sufficient and resilient against terror and other outside threats.

This leaves planty of opportunity for ‘ordinary Americans’ to contibute to peace building efforts by connecting their communities to NGOs and moderates in unstable areas of the world.  Supporting creative approaches to activism can be particularly effective.   Performing arts entertain while they educate and the emotional connection a performer is able to make with his or her audience has tremendous power to effect change.  Incorporating issues into art creates a safe space for conversation on divisive topics, while often humanizing and neutralizing the issues.  Furthermore, performance art appeals and is accessible to a broad audience, spanning all ages, educational levels, and backgrounds.

For these reasons, theater, dance, and music are frequently used by activists around the world.  Examples include teen HIV/AIDS education troupes in Uganda, JaNaM socialist street theatre in New Delhi, the environmentally conscious works of  New Zealand’s dance theatre group Soul Speed, and the work of the Freedom Theatre in the occupied  territories (palestine).  In these and other countless instances, culture and the creative human spirit have shown themselves stronger than war, disease, apathy, ignorance, and politics and proven that their ’soft power’ should not be underestimated.