We stroll down the street and the person ahead of us dumps something on the ground and we say nothing. Then we reach the corner and as we walk to cross the street a driver runs the red light and we repress an expletive. How many of us never report evident violations? How many citizens do not have the means to express their feelings or what aggravates them? Moreover, what could we all do to change this? Millions of people around the world go on with their lives as if muted… Every day, every hour, every minute… As if muted to themselves, to their neighbor, to their fellow man across cities, across borders, across continents. If released, these silenced expressions could make a big difference in our lives. The lack of freedom of speech, or worse yet, our reluctance to grant others the opportunity to express their inner feelings has become part of our lives. What would happen if all of this changed?
The mexican artist Trevino got inspiration in those muted stories and created the exhibition 'Our Silences', which comprises 10 sculptures that aim to promote the introspection about the importance of freedom of speech.
Created using the lost-wax casting technique, all the sculptures are muted with a plate showing different inscriptions, which are replicated on their chests and backs. The public is to interpret what the sculptures are trying to tell and ultimately what the public itself needs to express. With Our Silences Rivelino seeks to address most of the public. This is why the faces are sculpted with human features denoting different races, to allow people from different places to identify themselves with the pieces.
Our Silences involves all of us and will never go unnoticed. The exhibition's first stop in Europe started recently in Lisbon where it was exhibited in one of the most emblematic areas in the city. However, I had no chance to see, in Lisbon, Rivelino's artworks, but in Brussels.
There are so many historical events that would not have occurred if one had been silent. Art has definitely been another outlet an continues to speak volumes. Ty belita!
ReplyDeleteHe's definitely taken on a worthwhile cause. Still, I fear people will remain mute if only for self-protection. Many remain silent out of a fear of retribution. Just look what happens here if someone dares to speak out in favor of an unpopular or politically incorrect cause.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Virginia. In London you are more likely to get a knife in the ribs rather than a good response. Sadly that is the case. Mike...
ReplyDeleteVirginia and Mike.... I agree with the comments dropped by both of you. In this tiny country that Portugal is, things still are a bit different from what happens in others. Half-joking, half-seriously, we often say that Portugal is not a country but a large city which implies that people tend to be talkative and friendly to strangers, though nowadays and mainly in urban centers not so much as before. From my personal observation, the self-acknowledgement of 'soft customs' makes us not a very much mute society perhaps owing also to the fact that crime rate is not high at all.
ReplyDeleteI so wish that people would express themselves more , we are muted more today than ever before.I see things that frustrate me and dare not open my mouth because of the backlash and the fear of being hurt.Loved your post and i hope alot of others will read this too, we are muted and we should change .Rosiexx
ReplyDeleteWill this exhibit be going to other counties? I would love to see it in my city.
ReplyDeleteAll I know is that Lisbon will be followed by other European cities but no idea at all whether the exhibition will go to outside Europe.
ReplyDelete'Our Silences',... very interesting idea...
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