Word On the Street - Politics and Poetry - Past Exhibitions and Projects

Text-based art initiative consisting of original political and poetic felt banners created by female artists, writers and refugee seamstresses.

Created by renowned female artists and writers in collaboration with seamstresses from The Center for Refugee Service based in Texas, Word On the Street speaks directly to the urgent, timeless concerns of the individual, the community, and the requirements of citizenry.

These works have been made through a collaborative process between female writers, artists, and refugee seamstresses, putting artistry into action. This exhibition seeks to demonstrate the power of art to shape society and to recognize, record and honor the voices of all women. The participants have responded to the politics of the day with a landscape of phrases, art, and made-by-hand signage.

Each artist has designed two unique double sided banners masterfully crafted by collaborating refugees. Artist Laurie Anderson has additionally contributed an original sound/text score “I Pledge” a collaboration with poet Naomi Shihab Nye which serves to envelop, focus and synergize the installation site.

Collaborating Visual Artists

LAURIE ANDERSON | TANIA BRUGUERA | JENNY HOLZER | HOUSE OF TREES | AMY KHOSHBIN | WANGECHI MUTU | CARRIE MAE WEEMS

Collaborating Writers

HANNAH ARENDT | ANNE CARSON | A.M. HOMES | NAOMI SHIHAB NYE

WATERMILL CENTER

ARTPACE

ARTPACE - The SA Heron .png

THE SOLOMON R GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

In partnership with seamstresses from the San Antonio Center for Refugee Services in the creation of all Word On the Street banners.

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