Pondering Social Change and Activism...

            This past week I attended a very poignant evening at the Hirshhorn. A new exhibition opened called Brand New: Art and Commodity in the 1980's.  I was delighted to listen to Guerilla Girl, who has taken the name Kathe Kollwitz, and Krysztof Wodiczko recall their personal stories and experiences that lead them to make art to bring attention to and inspire change on the political front and begin to unpack the new rapidly changing technologies and commerce of the time. 

Gianni Jetzer, Curator at Large in conversation with GG:Kathe Kollwitz & Krysztof Wodiczko 02/13/2018

            Topics such as AIDS, gender disparity, economics, gun control....It is amazing sitting there and listening, I was reminded that as much as things change they stay the same. These artists are still as madly relevant as the dilemmas they ponder.  

Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, 1988-2000

             This show is masterfully curated and immediately takes you back to the 80's.  And if you questioned the relevance to today's challenges...
            Ironically, this exhibition opened the day before the massacre in Florida at Parkland High School whipping us back to the reality that is now.  The Hirshhorn made the decision to postpone Wodiczko's projection aptly titled: Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, 1988-2000. Artforum magazine has called out the institution for missing an opportunity to bring attention to our nations gun problem by postponing the projection. This is commentary that I support. Now is the time to rise and raise hell for the sake of our school communities! 
           Personally, I am overwhelmed by the continued tragedy in our nation. As a teacher there is not a day that goes by that it does not cross my mind that something violent and terrible could happen. There is a lack of interest in preserving human life when it comes to gun control. Where is the value on human life? I am so proud of the young people in Florida that know they can use their voice, their social media and their strength in numbers to bring change. We have just witnessed the birth of a renewed outraged activism with this generation. Articulate passionate youth! RISE.