On January 22, the University of Oregon hosted a special event celebrating the preview of the “Necroarchivos de las Americas” catalogue. The event featured faculty members Dr. Adriana Miramontes Olivas, Dr. Gabriela Martínez, and Dr. Lynn Stephen, who shared their insights into the catalogue’s content. Key Takeaways from the Presentations:
- Dr. Adriana Miramontes Olivas:
- Presented an overview of the exhibition, featuring 17 artists responding to necropolitics in the Americas.
- Highlighted the importance of preserving historical memory and making structures of violence visible.
- Emphasized the need for continued documentation and research on violence and disappearances in Mexico and other parts of the world.
- Dr. Gabriela Martínez:
- Shared her experience filming a documentary about the archives in Guatemala.
- Discussed the importance of establishing trust with organizations and communities when conducting research.
- Emphasized the need for awareness about the complexities of violence and the importance of preserving historical memory.
- Dr. Lynn Stephen:
- Reflected on her research on social movements and the importance of reading crowds and bodies to ensure safety while documenting conflicts.
- Highlighted the need for continued documentation, research, and art-based initiatives to bring attention to issues of violence and disappearances.
- Emphasized the importance of using art and writing as a form of resistance and social change.
Panel Discussion: The event also included a panel discussion, where the speakers reflected on how they make structures of violence visible in their own work. They emphasized the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and using art as a tool for social change. Conclusion: The event provided a thought-provoking exploration of the themes presented in the “Necroarchivos de las Americas” catalogue. The speakers’ presentations and the panel discussion highlighted the importance of continued documentation, research, and art-based initiatives to bring attention to issues of violence and disappearances.