Press release for "Globalize THIS! International Graphics of Resistance" and "Purely Observational / Everyday Political: Artwork of and inspired by Corita Kent"

              Press Contact: Kathy MacPherson
kmacpherson@otis.edu / (310) 665.6909
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOS ANGELES – February, 2012 – Otis College of Art and Design is pleased to present the
exhibitions Globalize THIS! International Graphics of Resistance and Purely Observational /
Everyday Political: Artwork of and inspired by Corita Kent to be held March 17 – April 14, 2012 at
Ben Maltz Gallery. A public opening reception takes place Thursday, March 29, 5:30-7:30pm.
Student-led tours of Globalize THIS! take place Saturday, April 7 & 14 at 1pm.
Globalize This! International Graphics of Resistance
Climate change, outsourced jobs, pollution, wars—globalization affects every aspect of life on this
planet. As the crises escalate and resources diminish, activists and artists throughout the world are
speaking with a clarity and coherence exceeding that of most politicians. Their message: as our planet
shrinks, we'd better all start getting along.
The anti-globalization movement was dramatically announced to the world in the 1990s by two
memorable explosions. On January 1, 1994 the international community suddenly became aware of an
indigenous guerrilla movement in Chiapas, Mexico—the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN).
Declaring that "the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a death sentence for the
indigenous peoples of Mexico," the Zapatistas staged their insurrection to coincide with the day
NAFTA went into effect. Five years later, on November 30, 1999, the Battle of Seattle began to
protest the World Trade Organization (WTO). Since then protests have taken place against meetings
where the world's most powerful economies have set agenda's for the rest of the world's people.
The images in Globalize THIS! range from haunting to humorous. Posters on racism, AIDS, nuclear
proliferation, child labor, genetically modified food, environmental degradation, and the increasing
indebtedness of developing nations offer sobering messages. These posters remind us of the passions
and commitment of the protesters and demand our involvement to make a difference. They are
reclaiming the power of art to inspire people to action.
Globalize THIS! is organized by Carol Wells, Director of the Center for the Study of Political
Graphics in partnership with the Otis' Integrated Learning Class Designing the Political led by faculty
Guy Bennett and Kerri Steinberg. This project is funded in part by the California Arts Council and
the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles.
Purely Observational / Everyday Political: Artwork of and Inspired by Corita Kent
Corita Kent focused on the importance of love, respect, and dignity for everyone throughout her
career as an artist and a teacher. Her style and subject matter shifted with the political climate of the
day and her relationship with the church, but this underlying current remained. This exhibition includes
a selection of work that reflects her ethical outlook and her inherent optimism about life. Using Corita
Kent's teaching techniques of looking and systematic assignments, the One Over One Printmaking
class at Otis College of Art and Design has selected a sampling of Corita's work to present alongside
art they have produced in response to Kent's images and to the politics of our everyday lives.