Synopsis: In June 2020 I witnessed and filmed a conflict between artists and neighbors, a community feud over a Black Lives Matter emblem painted on Bernal Rock. I could not stop thinking about how moved I was by these passionate artists and the power public art can have in any community by empowering individuals through art and giving them a voice in society.
This is a two part film, a story which documents the dynamic flood of public art which occurred during the social upheaval magnified by the pandemic and the history of Public Art and social justice in the Bay Area. This is an ode to the artists that have taken on the role of leaders using art to create awareness in murals, poster art, as well as ground breaking memorials, that have been created to address social change.
We hear the voices of artists creating public artwork as a form of social dialogue. The film features Interviews with San Francisco and Oakland based political and mural artists, as well as public art organizations and advocates including, Favianna Rodriguez founder of The Center for Cultural Power, Susan Cervantes founder of Precita Eyes Mural Project, Art Hazelwood of the SF Poster Syndicate, Inga Bard, Co Founder @PainttheVoidproject, Mission Artists, Calixto Robles, Gert McMullin, caretaker of the Aids Quilt, Artist, and Nancy Hom, Poet and Community Activist.
This film delves into the art and artists whose work provides access to art equality, quintessential not just to beautify public spaces but to create dialogue that creates equality in art.
Featuring music by:
Diane Gameros, Latina singer, songwriter and social activist from her album ”Arrullo”, a Mexican Folk Tribute.
Will Hammond Jr.’s 2020 album “Blacklandia” voicing his response as a songwriter, composer, and singer to BLM.
Mitch Tobias, Passionate musician and renaissance man. Mitch is a guitarist, composer and one of the founders of the band APE. He is also a photographer, videographer an Director.
TRT: 26:33
