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Artist: Vreni Michelini Castillo Confronting Bodies: Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar administration, small portion of student body and fundamentalist media Date of Action: Nov. 15th-23rd 2011 Specific Location: VCUQ campus, Doha, Qatar Description of Artwork: This installation is a multimedia, performative and time-based narrative of my migrations this year (Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, U.S.), specifically my cultural transition into Qatar. The images I am utilizing as the base of the work were created during my first weeks, which I believe capture my raw impressions of my current geographical and cultural absorption. In a lot of my work the female body is the locus of contest, in this particular piece it represents aspects of myself, as well as, larger societal views. I try to describe the sacrifices, pleasures, problems and shifts I see women face. I also perceive this as a larger metaphor that expresses global generational shifts. In all of my experiences in different locations this year I have been most impressed by the fights and achievements of girls and the women I've met. I wish to represent the female power I saw in the little girls I taught in Peru as well as of the women I've met throughout my journey this year. ***It is important to note that I cannot include a finalized image of the work because of the essence of this piece. The final installation will include sculptural elements, vinyl stickers on top of the painting and a 1 hour sound performance of the songs I've created here. (Didn't finish)
2. Posters of Qatari law put up. 3. After being veiled, I (the artist) decided the piece was done, so I painted over it. 4. A general statement regarding the matter was released by the school. 5. A professor answered the email, explaining his disagreement and disappointed. Later instructed not to do so again. 6. Following the de-installation the whole matter was twisted and published in a little inflammatory news article. 7. I received emails concerning interested reporters, who I cannot answered (instructed by the institution) 8. Posters of art censorship were anonymously created and put up in the school, referring to library call numbers.
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