Bumbershoot 2008: Power of One
August 29th – September 1st
The evolution of our world is marked by the individuals whose ideas and convictions challenge societal norms. As we become a global community and the needs of the individual are lost in the incorporation of the masses, we must empower ourselves to stand up to our convictions and defend our truths or we will lose the unique fabric we call humanity.
Artists Phil Borges, Jackie Renn, Nina Berman and Katharina Mouratidi give testimony to the power of an individual’s commitment to their truth through photographs, movies and words about protesters, indigenous peoples and soldiers. Inspired by a short film titled “Powers of Ten” this exhibition focuses on the “one” that gives the zero it’s power – the common individual who’s actions influence their world.
Upon coming face to face with the subjects that these artists captured on film you will see your neighbor, sister and uncle: people you recognize not because you know them but because they represent the people you encounter daily. These subjects of the lens and the heart are not privileged, famous or glamorous. They are the individuals who had the strength to use their unique power to stand up for what they believe in. They are all heroes.
As you read their stories and study their portraits ask yourself: what’s my power? Then turn yours on!
Become a “Power of One” Bumberfan and see what’s happening at Bumbershoot 2008
www.bumbershoot.org/lineup/power-of-one
Get Bumbershoot tickets here.
Love the idea of the show can’t wait to see it!
Comment made on August 15, 2008 @ 1:58 am
PEN International, along with other writers and artisst,recently implemented a poem relay across the world.
Participants read a poem by Chinese poet/journalist, Shi Tao.
The poem, “June” has literally been read around the world, to illustrate the creative power of freedom of nonviolent expression. The poem has been read in Tibet,Bosnia; and over one hundred other places, including Seattle and London.
Here is the poem:
June
by Shi Tao
My whole life
Will never get past “June”
June, when my heart died
When my poetry died
When my lover
Died in romance’s pool of blood
June, the scorching sun burns open my skin
Revealing the true nature of my wound
June, the fish swims out of the blood-red sea
Toward another place to hibernate
June, the earth shifts, the rivers fall silent
Piled up letters unable to be delivered to the dead
(Translated by Chip Rolley)
To help write a note on behalf of Shi Tao who is a prisoner of conscience, please, drop-by the Amnesty International Info Space, at the Power of One event.
One of us in Amnesty, will be pleased to tell you more, or to talk about other concerns.
Thanks Marita and Bumbershoot — from all of us in Amnesty International.
Comment made on August 23, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
this is an amazing exhibit!!!
Comment made on August 31, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
Very powerful, thought-provoking exhibit. Thank you for bringing this to Bumbershoot.
Comment made on August 31, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
Very strong exhibit. The two exhibits that impacted me the most were Berman’s Purple Heart’s exhibit and Borges’ Women Empowered. It was an interesting contrast to learn about some of victims of both sides of power (the destroyer and the destroyed): our soldiers who have given limb and often sanity as willing or unwitting arm of imperial power and the women of the third world who exist in poverty and hardship due in no small part to imperial power past and present in Africa and the Middle East.
Comment made on August 31, 2008 @ 11:09 pm
Extraordinary stories weaved together artfully by Borges to educate, inspire and empower all of us to help and support all those women, children and suffering people around the world! Thank YOU for this amazing work & inspiration! May we BE the change we want to see!
Comment made on September 1, 2008 @ 12:27 am
Amazingly powerful. Expertly presented. A real testament to one person’s power to change the world.
Comment made on September 1, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
wow! what a great exhibit. very moving and inspiring. I am so stoked to learn of other organizations to be involved with and support. Putting a face to social issues changes everything. Thank you for this wonderful experience!
Comment made on September 1, 2008 @ 9:14 pm