About the presentation/presenters: Lapiztola is a collective of urban graphic artists from Oaxaca, Mexico who use stencils created from photography, digital media, and collage to create street art and graphic prints with the goal of using art as a way to spread political and social messages to the public. “Lapiztola,” the collective name is a play on words, combining lápiz, Spanish for “pencil,” and pistola, meaning “pistol,” to represent their commitment to using art as a creative weapon to spread political and social messages to the public. Characteristic of their work are messages relevant to the contemporary social and political climate of Oaxaca – racism, disappearances, and violence are common themes. When political revolution gripped Oaxaca City, Mexico for over seven months in 2006, indignation over the state governor’s violent response to a teachers’ strike led to a street art movement which saw the walls of Oaxaca speak out in outrage. It was from this uprising that Lapiztola was born.
In the art world, Lapitzola is now a globally recognized name. They have participated in a range of projects globally, including: La Bienal de la Habana, Cuba, El Maiz es nuestra vida; University of Michigan, Por la Sangre Derramada; Valparaiso, Chile and Spain, Laberinto de Miradas; Mission Cultural Centre, San Francisco, Más de 50.000; Museo de la Memoria Indomita, México, El Abrazo Ausente; Los Angeles, Maíz para la Gallina; Candyland Gallery, Stockholm, Instrucciones para un Largo Viaje; Santos, Brasil, Encuentro de Colectivos; Galería Gorila, Oaxaca, México, Extinción; Rich Mix in association with Global Justice Now, London, Democracia Real Ya!; Museo de Arte Popular, México D.F, Nuevo Códice: Migración y Memoria Cultural.
Co-sponsored by LOUD Wisconsin Arts.
