Pictures of Cats

One of the most significant and rewarding projects we undertook in Asunción was to collectively make portraits of as many of the participating Biennial artists, curators, volunteers, and community members as possible. The students all worked on these, taking turns as photographers, lighting assistants, technical advisors, location scouts, and cat wranglers. I'm so incredibly proud of the work they produced.

- Jennifer

Please do not reproduce these photos without permission.

Sofia Maldonado, photo by Mariah Drussel

photo by Mariah Drussel

photo by Mariah Drussel

Marcelo Medina, photo by Mariah Drussel

Carlos Huffmann, photo by Mariah Drussel

Levente Sulyok, photo by Mariah Drussel

Lucas Arruda, photo by Mariah Drussel

Omar Estrada, photo by Mariah Drussel

Dannys Montes de Oca, photo by Haydee Mendez

Julia Isidrez, photo by Haydee Mendez

Paolo Nazareth, photo by Haydee Mendez

Thiago Martins de Melo, photo by Haydee Mendez

Bianca Revitte, photo by Manuel Caceres

Bruno Rivette (Smoky), photo by Manuel Caceres

Daniel (Skull), photo by Manuel Caceres

Ledania, photo by Manuel Caceres

Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, photo by Manuel Caceres

Nestor Sire Mederos, photo by Manuel Caceres

Jorge, photo by Thien Doan

Marcelo, Carolina, and Lola, photo by Thien Doan

Guille Sanabria, photo by Thien Doan

Ricky Allman, photo by Thien Doan

Tania Royg, photo by Thien Doan

Daniel (Skull), photo by Dale Small

Carlos Huffmann, photo by Dale Small

Bruno, Bianca, and Daniel, photo by Dale Small

Bruno Rivette (Smoky), photo by Dale Small

Ricky Allmann, photo by Dale Small

Lucas Arruda, photo by Dale Small

Bettina Brizuela, photo by Jennifer Ray

Guillermo Anselmo Vezzosi, photo by Jennifer Ray

Ricky Allman, photo by Jennifer Ray

Ricardo Efrain Flecha Galeano, photo by Jennifer Ray

Loud & Clear: Abort Biennal 2015

Hello viewers! My name is Haydee Mendez and I am currently in Asuncion, Paraguay! I'm here with six other photography students who have been asked to document Asuncion's 1st Art Biennial. During the first few days we encountered some bumps like not having our luggage for two days. We soon discovered you can fit five cars in a two way street; mopeds included. Also to remember that the cute child who gave you a piece of candy, while boarding the bus and heading down the aisle, is expecting you to pay for it when he or she comes back through if you don't give it back. Oh yea, and you can totally tell we're Americans or Foreigners. Once being able to surpass the culture shock, one can soon begin to enjoy the journey.

The greatest/best part about this whole trip is the amazing, incredibility , talented artists we've got to meet personally and interact with. I don't know if it was as cool for them, as it was for me, but every conversation held with each one of them sure has impacted my life. We also shared the same living accommodations with internationally known mural artists! To see what these people can do with spray paint, brushes and buckets of paint is jaw dropping to say the least. 

On Thursday, October 1st, "Franja Grafitera" became a public protest to the Asuncion Biennial, opening day. They all had something to say, and what better way to send the message? Blasting them on their murals of course; front and center for all to see. Messages like, Wake Up!, Get Educated!, We aren't afraid to paint with dignity!, Blood, Sweat, & Tears., Like This NO!, Resentment, and Abort Bienal 2015, were written over top their already completed art pieces. Not only did their pieces already speak volumes, but their messages sent an echo.

I can't believe I was able to be apart and capture this historical moment. Although I could not fully abort the biennial like them, due to the fact I'm receiving a grade for this trip, I am still worthy of my own opinion and support their cause and awareness. For more details related on the protest click the link. 

"United"

"Grito"

"Untitled"

"War Paint"

"Con Cuidado"

"Witness"

"Mujeres Fuerte"

 

Now That's A Landing!

Hey guys! I am MiKayla Bastin. I am studying photography and psychology at Wichita State University. On Tuesday September 29, I traveled with a Brazilian artist named Paulo Nazareth. He was part of the biennial and did a performance piece at the airport. His goal was to put a couch on the end of the runway right before the plane took off and watch it fly away. It took many tries to finally let him do this because it was "impossible" and obviously very dangerous. After much talking the airport and Paulo finally came to an agreement. I had asked him why he was doing this and he explained that when he was younger he always imagined the planes as birds who could fly away. The planes carried the people who were leaving his hometown to start a new life. This was a very cool experience considering not many people are allowed to be anywhere close to the runway where planes take off and land!

Paulo talking to the head of security about his idea

Scoping out the area 

Getting ready for the act!

Paulo and his spirit chief singing a song together waiting for the plane. It also a way of praying. This is very important before it happens.

The plane flying right over us and landing!

Paulo Nazareth