In class, we were given quotes to reflect on, without knowing the authors, and asked to understand their meaning and personal significance. One quote in particular stood out to me:
‘The Classroom remains the most radical space of possibility in the academy’
This made me think about my own schooling experiences – the students who spoke out against injustice, demanding change, or even the so called “naughty’ kids who were simply seeking attention but struggled to express themselves in a more articulate way. In my opinion an early onset of radical thinking against schooling and authoritarian structures. The classroom is a powerful space where student engage with challenging concepts, develop critical thinking, and (when guided by a thoughtful tutor) can even challenge the status quo.
The mystery quote was unveiled to be the writings of author and academic, bell hooks from her book Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom (hooks, 1994). I had heard of her before, but honestly speaking I wasn’t too familiar with her writing or practice. Reading her paper, Talking Art as the Spirit Moves Us (hook, 1995) was both eye-opening and refreshing. In it, she explores how artists and writers can, and should, challenge power structures in the west that uphold inequality. Her insights also unpack the complexities of representation, white supremacy and power structures within the art world. Not only that but this text has reminded me to reflect on my own patriarchal positions, something I recognise and must remain mindful of, especially as a male tutor.
‘Critical writing must be valued by artist and audiences of color if we are to create a cultural context where more critical thinkers will choose to do that writing.’ (hooks, 1995)
As someone of Chilean descent, and son of a father who came to the UK as a political refugee, activism has always been a part of my life. I have stood alongside my family in protests against the crimes committed by the Chilean dictator Pinochet; an experience that has shaped my awareness of systemic injustices – particularly within Western establishments.
My practice has also been shaped by activism, using visual forms of expression to raise social awareness and address a variety of pressing issues. Chilean street artist such as Alejandro ‘El Mono’ Gonzalez embodies the spirit of Latin-American protest and resistance against oppressive agents, using the streets of Chile as his canvas to communicate powerful messages. An article by the Guardian gives a brief insight to who he is – link here
Bell hooks reminds me of who I am, my struggles and also to not waver in the face of oppressive systems. I hope to instil some of these values into students, empowering them to think critically, radically and creatively, while also encouraging them to approach their ideas with thoughtfulness and empathy.
Reference
Hook, b (1994). Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom. First edition. New York, NY: Routledge
Hook, b (1995). Art on my mind : visual politics. First edition. New York, NY: The New Press