Protest movements have long found an energy center in Oakland, within our diverse community, challenging problems and historical prominence. While protests have sometimes been chaotic and even counter-productive, they are an important part of the river of social progress. A radical transformation / revolution is necessary to rescue society from the worst excesses of capitalism and that revolution is within our grasp.
Our belief is that the rest of us have the power to recreate a society based on justice, fairness and compassion. We use the image of the raised fist which is associated with historical freedom movements. It reminds us of the strength each person has to resist wrong and of our duty to do so. It is our hope that those who view our work will feel they are part of an urgent, powerful, and non-violent re-imagining of what it means to be a successful country.
Inspired by the intersection of many common threads in our community here in Oakland and political thinker & pandit Robert Reich, our installation not only holds the possibilities of two artists creating together, but honors those who gave insight, presence and time to our plight: Robin Thomas, George McNeil, Dennis Vegas, Danny Snyder, Krystyna Bleszynska, Mr. Plastics, Susan Casetini and Kyle Milligan. Additionally we would like to express our gratitude to Robert Reich for letting us use his writings and article as part of our installation.
Joanna Salska and Michael Snyder
Video of installation and interview with Joanna Salska.
In 2012, Joanna Salska collaborated with accomplished writer Joyce Carol Oates to produce "Of the Great Egg." This book offers fragmentary poems from Oates paired with prints and paintings from Salska. These relationships vibrate between visual and verbal surrealism, pulling readers into a sensorial exploration of environment and self.
