matrix art project nyc

Thursday, May 31, 2007

"Rebellion in Oaxaca" An Exhibition of Documentary Photography and Video

Matrix Art Project New York is mounting a compelling exhibition about the popular rebellion that has been happening in Oaxaca, Mexico during the last year. We are excited to present "Rebellion in Oaxaca" on June 14th, commemorating the events in 2006 which sparked the popular uprising. Outstanding images by photojournalists Katie Orlinsky and Calamity Barucha Peller, and documentary videos by Mal de Ojo TV, capture the courage and determination of Oaxaca's most humble citizens in their struggle against the prevailing social and political injustices. On view at The International Center, 50 W 23rd St 7th Floor, Opening: Thursday June 14, 2007, 6 - 8pm, video presentation:7 pm. Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 8 pm,
Saturday 10 am - 3:30 pm, through 7/14.

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*On June 14, 2006, state police carried out a pre-dawn attack on the striking Teacher's Union Section 22 encampment in the center of Oaxaca City. Unarmed supporters of the teachers union woke up to the attack, resisted the police, and managed to hold onto their position in the central plaza. This event provoked the growing numbers of disenfranchised to unite. Under the banner of APPO (Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca), representatives of Oaxaca's numerous indigenous communities joined forces with the teachers union and others to call for a suspension of government powers. Frustrated over social injustices, racism, corruption, and abuse of authority, they took to the streets in massive numbers and broadcast over the university and other radio stations, calling for solidarity and demanding the resignation of governor Ulises Ruiz. Makeshift barricades were erected to protect the neighborhoods of APPO supporters from police and paramilitaries on the govenor's payroll, who met the rebellion with aggression: people were singled out for their afilliation to these groups and were harassed, beaten, arrested and in some cases disappeared, tortured, or murdered. Various human rights groups have detailed summaries of the events, including lists of those who were killed, injured and imprisoned. Many of you heard about the death of Brad Will, an American indy journalist who was shot in the street by "irregulars" tied to the state government while covering the conflict. Although the death of Brad Will was widely reported, mainstream media and government were lock-stepped, supressing reportage of the facts while presenting the APPO as guerillas or terrorists. Eventually, masses of federal police (PFP) were sent to Oaxaca by exiting president Vincente Fox. They forcibly took over the city, which resulted in violent confrontations and more injuries and deaths. Those in rebellion were, and still are, under threat by Oaxaca's repressive governor and those loyal to his political party...Far from being resolved, the social and political crisis continues. Numerous innocent civilians are still in prison and many elements of the movement have been forced underground.

matrix art project nyc

Thursday, May 31, 2007

"Rebellion in Oaxaca" An Exhibition of Documentary Photography and Video

Photographers in the Exhibition

Sponsored In Part By

Patrons and Supporters

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AUDIO

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