guerilla-art.mx presents “Transgression,” a collborative project with Open Source Gallery, NURTUREart and MS136. This project will be on view at Open Source Gallery June 11-July 1, 2016 with an opening reception on June 11 from 7-9pm.
What do we talk about when we talk about immigration? Or displacement? Migration? Refugees? Right now all over the world, people are fleeing their homes from violence or poverty, and too often both. Outrage at immigrants from Mexico is seen across the U.S. In 2015, over 3500 migrants and refugees lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean sea to get to Europe–and many survivors were turned away at the borders. These crises are not limited to two instances; they are global. Through “Transgression,” conversation about displacement, injustice and inequity is brought to the fore, encouraging a narrative created not by the news outlets and pundits, but by individuals. Inspired by the economic and political situations in marginalized communities across the globe, art collective guerilla-art.mx, organized by Yescka and Jonathan Rutsch, gives voice to those who are often overlooked, showcasing work resulting from–and with the potential to spark–social movements. Yescka’s work focuses on the power of art as a weapon of change. And through political actions, such as Yescka and Rutsch’s current work with Syrian refugees in Europe, the group emphasizes the importance of social engagement in art. guerilla-art.mx aims to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of critical thinking in examinations of society and politics. Using street art and more historic forms of craft, such as woodcuts, Yescka presents work at Open Source that aims to combine the traditional with the contemporary, generating art that gives voice to marginalized communities and promotes critical thinking and understanding about contemporary issues and global struggles. For example, in “La última cena mexicana,” Yescka repurposes the last supper to depict an abuse of power by the elite. Benito Juárez, a drug boss, sits in Jesus’s place, while others gather around him begging for recognition. Their thirst for power makes them devour their values, such as freedom and justice.
In conjunction with the exhibit at Open Source, artists Yescka, Kate Deciccio and Max Albee, as well as non-profit organization NURTUREart, are collaborating with Open Source and students from MS 136 in Sunset Park to produce a mural at the school titled “The Confidence to Persevere.” This project presents a combination of the experience of the students and an exploration of their heritage with the guiding hand of artists, who can help them learn how to follow through from idea to mural and effectively use materials to create powerful imagery.
guerilla-art.mx is a German-Mexican street art collective consisting of street artists and filmmakers. The collective was founded by Mexico-based artist Yescka in 2011. Born from the wish to spread intercultural art the collective has organized projects, trips, exhibitions, and has contributed to numerous street art festivals in Mexico, Germany, USA, Switzerland, Sweden, and Spain.