Author: Jake McNamara

Tania Bruguera (Untitled, 2009), along with a panel of Colombian citizens, invites us to discuss the harmful effects of drug trafficking and use, with a focus on the Colombian conflict around drugs. Bruguera and the panel share their concerns and diverging points of view, speaking openly about a problem that is ravaging the country. Eventually, Bruguera presents the audience with the opportunity to partake in one of the main subjects of the discussion. A “cocaine server” moves throughout the crowd, offering viewers the powdery white substance that has caused harm to so many.

Daniel Bozhkov (Darth Vader Tries to Clean the BLack Sea with Brita Filter, 2000) approaches his work in a unique way, showcasing a single photograph from a once live performance. This single image manages to truly capture the performance, Bozhkov donning a Darth Vader costume as he stands in the Black Sea, filtering the water with a Brita pitcher. Once the water has purified, Bozhkov then pours it into a clean container, only to then pour that back into the sea. This process was repeated many times, with Bozhkov continuously filtering and spilling water. There is a futility present in Bozhkov’s performance, but the humor of the situation and Bozhkov’s determination to continue cuts right through it.

Jake McNamara (Cyberbond, 2020-2021) questions the human relationship with technology by inviting us to join him in the “digital realm”. A call back to the early days of the internet, McNamara has constructed a labyrinth like website for viewers to explore. A reality to get lost in and join with fellow “cybernauts”. A collection of photos, music and recorded media performances Cyberbond aims to showcase the turbulent relationship of McNamara and the technology he uses.

Shaun Leonardo (Primitive Games, 2018) offers us an alternative way to debate. He gathers willing participants into a room and has them non-verbally debate gun control. Leonardo dresses the participants in similar clothing and attempts to make it as difficult as possible to have a visual bias, meaning that none of the participants initially know who’s on which side of the debate. Leonardo effectively eliminates the potential for what would be considered a “normal debate”. Instead, the participants must find a new way to present their arguments, leading them to really think about their viewpoints and how they can express them.

Outspoken Voices of the Earth focuses on the socio-political confrontations of artists throughout the years, and from different backgrounds. Instead of focusing on just one topic or issue, the show allows for a wide variety of commentary that contextualizes the social and political views of each artist. Some offer commentary, others use humor, while still others offer potential solutions. The differences in time allow viewers to judge whether or not these issues have been improved or outright solved, putting into question the role of the more recent works. With art’s ability to change our view on certain topics, it is important for viewers to be able to look simultaneously forwards and backwards.

Each artist, throughout the week, will give a tour of their space and quickly discuss their works, allowing them to both verbally and visually express themselves. Viewers are asked to remain silent while the artist speaks, allowing only their voice to be present. This will continue until the final tour is given, at which point the audience is encourage to consider one artist to focus on. The following day the four artists will be split between four separate rooms, now allowing the audience to ask questions, discuss, or debate. Each audience member will speak one at a time for ten minutes each, and the artist will have the opportunity to respond.

Our ability to speak out is one of our most important, allowing us to make our voices heard. One should always be ready to stand up for what they believe in, while also leaving plenty of room for accepting new ideas and viewpoints. Second to our ability to speak out is our ability to listen, to open ourselves up to the voices of others, to hear their part. Outspoke Voices of the Earth allows us to get in close contact with some of the voices that are looking to be heard, it is an opportunity to expand one’s point of view through active discussion. So come join your voice with ours, and be heard.