Presented by WCCW & iris yirei hu
Friday, April 27, 7pm-10pm
50 participants maximum
For the closing reception of Survival Guide: inheritance, the Women’s Center invites artists and cultural workers to an open forum addressing the intersections of cultural exchange and appropriation, intergenerational knowledge, spiritual practice, and self care politics.
Survival Guide: inheritance is an immersive installation by iris yirei hu made in residence during our “Health/Care” quarter. hu turned to weaving as the necessary next step of a practice that addresses the preservation and legacy of inherited traditions. In a room coated in deep blue and gold, two large paintings tell the story of the artist apprenticing with fourth-generation Navajo weaver Melissa Cody of No Water Mesa, Arizona and Zapotec weavers Porfirio Gutiérrez y familia of Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico. Inspired by her rug weaving journey, hu also invited eight artists to contribute to a floor piece entitled “Magic Carpet.” The “Magic Carpet” — as well as programs taking place in the installation throughout the quarter — bring hu’s intergenerational world together and illuminate the possibilities of collective care.
The installation purposefully raises questions about learning from marginalized and indigenous cultures and practices of self and cultural preservation. How does one utilize and honor a cultural method of healing that is different than their own, but which might be more effective than Western science?
How do we discuss cultural appropriation outside of a Western or American (U.S.) context?
Who gets to participate in intercultural exchange?
hu will speak about her practice of studying with indigenous teachers, the responsibility of inheriting the craft, and ethical cultural exchange, followed by open forum on the questions above and more.
The installation will be on view 7-10pm. The talk & discussion will begin around 8. Wine, beer, & snacks all night.
Accessibility information for this event:
WCCW has a 36” wide ramp at our front entrance and a stairway with 8 steps and a rail. There are 2 gender neutral restrooms. One restroom is wheelchair accessible, with a handrail. We provide scent free soaps and encourage guests to attend our events scent free. If you require ASL interpretation, CART, interpretation for a language other than English, supervised childcare, or have any other access needs or questions, please contact [email protected] at least two weeks in advance. It is our practice to do everything we can to create a safe and accessible space.
iris yirei hu is an intergenerational storyteller and image maker. She uses painting, sound, poetry, and installation to rearrange habits of sharing time and making life. Her art, pedagogical, and curatorial projects explore the shifting possibilities of love in relation to systemic and institutional power.