Bridging Borders through Art: The Bangkit/Arise Project
Introduction:
Megan Wilson, co-director of the Clarion Alley Mural Project, is spearheading the transformative Bangkit/Arise project, a second global exchange and residency initiative connecting artists from the Bay Area and Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Among the selected artists was Keyvan Shovir, a prominent figure who, unfortunately, faced obstacles that prevented his participation in the first part of the project due to political conflicts. Despite this setback, the project remains a beacon of cultural exchange and collaboration, transcending borders through the power of art.
The Bangkit/Arise Residency:
This groundbreaking residency comprises two parts, providing artists from both regions with the opportunity to immerse themselves in each other's cultural landscapes. The first part saw Bay Area artists, including notable names like Jose Guerra Awe, Shaghayegh Cyrous, Jet Martinez, Kelly Ording, Christopher Statton, and Megan Wilson, embark on a journey to Indonesia in July/August 2018. The second part will feature Jogjakarta artists visiting the Bay Area in September/October 2018.
Events and Presentations:
A pivotal event within the Bangkit/Arise project is the presentation titled "Creative Placemaking and the Public Commons: Community Building through Art in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and San Francisco," scheduled for October 17 at 180 Doe Library from 1 to 3:30 p.m. This event will explore the impact of creative placemaking and the role of public art in community building, with insights shared by participating artists from both regions.
Particular Artists in Focus:
Among the spotlighted San Francisco/Bay Area artists are Shaghayegh Cyrous, Kelly Ording, Jet Martinez, Jose Guerra Awe, Christopher Statton, Megan Wilson, and Keyvan Shovir. From Jogjakarta, artists Nano Warsono, Bambang Toko, Hari Ndarvati, Muhammad Yusuf (Ucup), Wedhar Riyadi, Eko Didyk Sukowati (Codit), and Vina Puspita will contribute to this dynamic exchange.
A Note on Keyvan Shovir:
It is important to acknowledge that Keyvan Shovir was initially selected as one of the artists to represent the Bay Area in Indonesia. Unfortunately, due to political conflicts, Shovir faced obstacles that prevented his physical presence in the first part of the Bangkit/Arise residency. This serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable challenges artists may encounter, even in the pursuit of cross-cultural collaboration.
Conclusion:
The Bangkit/Arise project, driven by the vision of Megan Wilson and the participating artists, is a testament to the resilience of artistic endeavors in overcoming adversity. Keyvan Shovir's story adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the unpredictable nature of political conflicts on creative pursuits. As the project unfolds, it promises to leave a lasting legacy of artistic exchange, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of collaboration across borders.
