Jota Castro, “No more no less”: “The feeling of inferiority is something that takes a lot to get over and, well, whilst arguing with friends from different origins, living among other languages and cultures, being accustomed to raising professional and social curiosities and doubts, we came to the unanimous and perfectly visual decision to illustrate the phenomenon of transculturation with the image of a bottom penetrated by a phallic symbol from cultures that have dominated or currently dominate the world. This is how this visual way of talking about a subject as ancient as the world that we live in arose.”
Alicia Framis + Michael Linn, “Not For Sale”: “Not For Sale is a work in progress that analyses the situation of children who are sold all over the world.”
Dier+Noaz, “Estado de excepción”: “Throughout Europe and the rest of the world, the most conservative political tendencies are re-emerging as part of an attempt to provide answers to a complex world through increasingly simple solutions. Although the crime figures have not experienced a relevant increase, we are constantly faced with news of local authorities demanding tougher sanctions and more police officers. To what extent can security and fear be transmitted at the same time? The Claudio Moyano slope is a perfect place to reflect on this, given that, as a result of tourism, it is one of the safest places in Madrid. They seek to generate a sensation of a maximum security response against an unknown threat by installing a (fake) military check point with signs warning people to be on the alert.” (Video)
Wow, da ist ja wirklich eine Menge los in Madrid. Zuerst die schlechte Nachricht: Diese wunderbare Veranstaltung – “Madrid Abierto” – habe ich leider völlig verpasst, seufz & sorry. Und die gute Nachricht? Der “Call for applications 2009-2010” ist da (Einsendeschluss: 10. September): “This edition of Madrid Abierto will be dedicated to emerging practices that critically engage with the urban environment. For cities to thrive, to be communicative and alive, and to function as catalysers of public life, it is necessary to stimulate civic participation and community involvement. Given the current framework, where society often fail to negotiate some of the most immediate challenges, how can pooling resources such as the ones found in interdisciplinary groups, develop alternative work methods? How can inertia and nostalgia be substituted by visionary and inspiring tools that act as catalysts for change?”
