Since The Beginning Of Resistance

Mildred Beltré

on view: august 23 – September 16, 2012

First, what is a revolution? Sometimes I'm inclined to believe that many of our people are using this word "revolution" loosely, without taking careful consideration [of] what this word actually means, and what its historic characteristics are. When you study the historic nature of revolutions, the motive of a revolution, the objective of a revolution, and the result of a revolution, and the methods used in a revolution, you may change words. You may devise another program. You may change your goal and you may change your mind.  – Malcolm X, excerpted from "Message to the Grassroots" 

Taking inspiration from anarchist ideals of mutual aid, interdependence, and the creation of a new society, Mildred Belté creates sculptural paper drawings describing and mapping what a new world could look like. 

Accompanying these ideals for a new society there is often violence. The drawings in the show take on ritualized inter-personal violence (sports) institutionalized violence of the state against its people (policing) and acts of violence perpetrated by one nation against another (military). She invites the viewer to explore the relationship between libratory struggle and cultural and institutional forces. 

Included in the show are transcripts of speeches by Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. Viewers are invited to sit and read these speeches and consider their meaning for us in these post-occupy times.  

about the artist:

Mildred Beltré, a New York born and raised artist of Dominican descent, received her MFA from the University of Iowa. Her work in drawing, printmaking and book arts has been exhibited nationally and internationally. She's the recipient of NYFA and Brooklyn Arts Council grants and artist residencies at the Lower East Side Print Shop and The Vermont Studio Center. Ms. Beltré is currently an assistant professor at the University of Vermont.   

DIRECTIONS:

Take 2, 3, or 4 trains to Franklin Avenue. Walk two blocks against the traffic on Franklin. Walk ¾ block to 558 St. Johns Place. FiveMyles is within easy walking distance from the Brooklyn Museum.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

FiveMyles is in part supported by the New York State Council for the Arts, Public Funds from the New York City Dept. of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Council Member Laurie Cumbo, the Greenwich Collection, The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, and Humanities NY.