Echoes (Echoes) Of Resilience (Resilience)| A Communal Fire, Colossal Change
Echoes of Resilience Entry| Photo By Kharlen Jervier
A number of people will ask, “What’s the point of studying the past?” Is there any reason, in particular, that we ruminate over things gone? Lives lived? Places and people touched? The past offers a space for realization—a confrontation of patterns that we are often victims of, directly or indirectly.
After four years of scheming, WAA debuted a stunning display of passion, resilience, and hope at the Prevost Cinemall entitled “Echoes of Resilience.” According to Jenae Bell, a key organizer of the exhibition, the theme tackles an amalgamation of ongoing issues—local, regional, and global.
Specifically, the exhibition aims to tune our gaze through the lens of the ‘underdog,’ as Bell puts it. It invites us to understand that these varied oppressions are interconnected. While some situations may be more extreme than others, one thing is certain: change can come through unity.
“By reflecting on the past, we can channel the resilience of our ancestors into the present,”
Looking to our ancestors, we can draw a sense of inspiration. Many of the liberties we enjoy today were earned through years of advocacy and dedication to a cause. They overcame systemic and social challenges that once seemed insurmountable.
Yet, these changes did not happen overnight or without sacrifice. With coordinated communal effort, communities achieved significant progress in bettering their lives.
This sentiment is vividly captured in the exhibition’s poster, where silhouettes of ancestors are shown alongside stick figures climbing a slope, supporting one another. The imagery symbolizes the power of paying homage to our heritage as a reminder that no matter the challenge, we are stronger together.
Opening Remarks; Jenae Bell | Photo By Kharlen Jervier
None of the incredible works on display could have been created in isolation. From photography to visual art, woodworking, and poetry, the exhibition was a collaborative effort. For WAA, whose artists are predominantly independent, bringing these diverse creatives together was initially a challenge. However, the exhibition reflects the power of unity, with many pieces showcasing artistic collaborations that blend mediums to tug at the heartstrings.
Photos By Kharlen Jervier
“I hope that it can encourage change; different ways of thinking,”
The exhibition space itself serves as a potent reminder of the fruits of communal labor, an ode to the days of coudmen —a tradition of collective community work. Through this initiative, WAA hopes to sow seeds of partnership and camaraderie among its artists and the broader public.
Art has the unique ability to distill complex ideas into something universally understood. Let all who view “Echoes of Resilience” leave with a renewed sense of purpose, resilience, and the belief that unity is the key to overcoming even the most daunting challenges.
