Belated Totals from Manifest 2011

Approximately 120 participants commemorated Iraqi Widows with 13,989 lines drawn in grids, pictures and messages on a chalkboard, two large panels and the asphalt at Manifest 2011.

Widowsweave at Maninfest

Artistactivist Presents: Widowsweave will be present at Manifest
May 13th Noon-7 900 South Wabash - Outside
Add your mark - Draw chalk lines for Iraq's widows - on chalk boards and on the pavement.
Join Kevin in this Widowsweave event.

Sunday's Fundraiser

Had a great 1st fundraiser on Sunday, raising almost $500 towards Artistactivist and Widowsweave project.  Will be planning more Widowsweave events soon.  Thanks to all who participated, donated or otherwise helped out.  Special thanks to Colleen and Justin at Work Studio in Chicago for donating the space, and Ramah Jihan for a beautiful set of music.

Artistactivist Fundraiser

 

All are welcome at Artistactivist fundraiser this Sunday.

Lines in the Sand: 20th Anniversary of Gulf War on MLK Day

Alyssa and I went out on North Montrose Beach in the freezing rain as drew 2000 lines in the sand for the 20th anniversary of the Gulf War.  After a year and a half of performances, and such a long gap since my last performance, I found that I was thinking more about the project and its efficacy as activism and art than about the widows themselves.  I think that I need to keep with my vision of engaging community in this project or it will become just a counting exercise.

2000 lines

 Ice formations

 January 17th Commemoration

 Lines in sand-on-snow-on-sand

 Like sentinals

Artistactivist Fundraiser

Artistactivist will have it's first fundraiser on January 30, 2011. I will perform/display some of my Widowsweave works.  Check back for details.

Iraqi History Project

http://columbiachronicle.com/artists-activists-unite-for-human-rights
Article in Columbia Chronicle on upcoming Iraqi History Project festival in which Kevin Valentine is participating.

The Other Side of the Atlantic

Yesterday I remembered Iraqi widows and their situation from the other side of the Atlantic off the Devon coast of Southwest England at the quay at Hartland Point.  This trip has been a restful, thoughtful one of nature walks and climbs.  Upon return I will continue work on my Widowsweave.

Farsi Poem from the West Wall of Widowsweave Exhibit

In this dark

I am thinking of a lightly lamb

to graze the grass of my loneliness.

 

In this dark

I see my arms beneath the original rain

that fell on the first prayers of men.

 

In this dark

I opened a door to the ancient lanes

To the golden image of mythical caves.

 

In this dark

I saw the roots.

 

And for the growing pot of death

I explained the fluid scent of water and earth.

 

By Sohrab Sepehri

Translation: Maryam Dilmaghani

 

The poem Az Sabz beh Sabz  was first published in the anthology Hajm-e Sabz (The Green Shape)  1967, Tehran.

Manifest 11-9 Friday, May 14th

Manifest 11-9 Friday, May 14th

1104 S Wabash 2nd Floor

Events this Friday and Saturday

Panel discussion today: Women Artists in Muslim Society

5:15-6:45

1104 S Wabash 2nd Floor

Tomorrow May 1st Performances:
3:30-5:00

Exhibit Photos

Widowsweave Exhibit changes daily with many contributors.

Widowsweave: 3 Million Lines Opens Friday

Widowsweave: 3 Million Lines Opens Friday.  Here are some photos of the first lines in preparation for the exhibit:

Widowsweave Exhibit Postcard

Widowsweave Exhibit

Widowsweave Exhibit Opening Performances

April 23rd

5-7pm

1104 S. Wabash, Chicago

2nd Floor Raw Space

Come draw lines to benefit Iraqi Widows through May 14th

Get involved now

Panel Discussion: Women Artists and Muslim Society

April 30th -6:30-8

Open 10-5 through May 14th - Performances most days - Participate anytime

May 14th Manifest closing performances

More to come!

Finishing Touches

Spring Events

Watch for upcoming information on Eyes Wide Open event on the 13th and 14th of April.

Also Widowsweave thesis exhibit will be taking place from April 23-May 14th.  check back for event schedule.

Peace to Iraq: Bundle of Branches

Ideas #24: hang the Widowsweave: Peace bundle of branches in chalk room and spend time writing "Peace" & Al-Salaam.

#25: place bundle on slab in entryway.

Water for Widows

# 22 & 23: Another proposal would be Water for Widows, covering the entire surface of the granite slab with glasses of clean water - or just one glass in the center.

21 Widowsweave Actions

20 Widowsweave actions (which may be performed during exhibit)

 1. Draw 3,000,000 lines

 2. Crouch on floor of chalk room for one hour

 3. Self or performer, rolling on chalked floor

 4. Sit on end of slab

 5. Two veterans sit on both ends of slab

 6. Two widows sit on both ends of slab

 7. Stand back-to-back in chalked room

 8. Fill entire space with people, exit one by one at 5 sec intervals

 9. Perform choreographed piece – self, dancer, or both – separately or together

10. Read speech or talk from center of room

11. Sit and hold discussion in chalk room, about art and women in Muslim society

12. Read names of Iraqi widows in Chicago – self or widow

13. Iraqis sit, facing out, on slab in circle

14. Jaber speaking/interviewed on Iraqi women

15. Kevin interviewed

16. Panel discussion with Iraqi women

17. Iraqi woman (or artist) draws one line down center of back wall

18. Groups chalk lines

19. Sweep up extra chalk into pile

20. Play If I Could Sing in space

21. Sing If I Could Sing in space a cappella