a document of history

This eye-catching and inspiring print called "Fight Patriarchy" was made by Favianna Rodriguez, or perhaps I should say from reading her post that it came through her as she "meditated" with the artist's materials in front of her. True: Is not an artist a magician of rituals who enters unknown realms always returning with new gifts to help all of us see with new eyes?

This print is such an arresting visual image. It's strong red, black, and white presence reminds me of vintage revolutionary posters, but then again it also has a strong Mexican/Indigenous look; however, the image on the top also reminds me of sci-fi. I like the simplicity and clean lines of the words and how the word "WOMEN" is the largest word, blazing red, the first word calling you to attention.

The image at the top of the print, as Favianna explains on her blog, shows a woman feeding a dove to the monster of patriarchy:

"The figure up top is a woman that is feeding a dove to the monster that is Patriarchy. The monster has a woman warrior inside him, who he is refusing to let free. She represents the ways in which patriarchy affects us all, men and women, and does not allow us to reach our full potential as human beings, because we are limited by gender roles and institutionalized sexism."

In her post, Favianna explains how this particular piece was inspired by an essay by Maryam Roberts titled "War, Climate & Women" and a song by Sylvio Rodriguez, "Sueño con Serpientes." Favianna is an artist whose cup of creativity is repeatedly re-filled by the Muse; as she explains:

"In my work, I consistently seek out examples of how women, immigrants, queer folks, youth and people of color are affected by climate change, war, and militarism. People ask me all the time how it is that I get my ideas. I tell them I have so many issues that I want to make art about that the next 50 years is not enough. The ideas come to me because of what I see around me, what people around me are fighting for. In fact calling it an "idea" is not accurate, its more like - a moment in time. There are times when I read something, or when I witness something, or hear about a particular person's story - and immediately am so touched that I make the decision to record it in a visual piece. So that it may live as testament to that time, a document of history."

For more of her wisdom, read Favianna's whole post here, where you can also find a link to purchase the print. She also has a 2011 calendar with images of her striking prints for sale for only $10!