Aram Han Sifuentes: We Are Never Never Other

Aram Han Sifuentes is a Chicago-based artist who creates textiles and participatory works to address disenfranchisement. This monograph explores four community-based projects, including A Mend, U.S. Citizenship Test Sampler, Protest Banner Lending Library, and Official Unofficial Voting Station.

Format: Hardback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Illinois State University, University Galleries

Aram Han Sifuentes, a Chicago-based artist born in 1986, is renowned for his captivating community-based projects that address issues of disenfranchisement. This comprehensive monograph delves into four remarkable initiatives: A Mend, U.S. Citizenship Test Sampler, Protest Banner Lending Library, and Official Unofficial Voting Station.

A Mend is a collaborative embroidery project that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to mend and transform worn-out garments into beautiful works of art. The project aims to promote unity, healing, and empowerment among participants while raising awareness about the importance of clothing as a form of self-expression.

The U.S. Citizenship Test Sampler is a satirical collection of test questions designed to challenge the rigorous citizenship exam process. By humorously subverting the format and content of the test, the project aims to highlight the absurdity and discriminatory nature of the system. It encourages immigrants to question the legitimacy of the test and to advocate for more inclusive and fair immigration policies.

The Protest Banner Lending Library is a mobile library that provides a platform for community members to create and display protest banners. The banners address a wide range of social and political issues, from climate change to racial justice to gender equality. The library encourages community participation and activism by providing access to materials and resources for banner-making.

The Official Unofficial Voting Station is a pop-up voting station that provides an alternative voting option for individuals who are unable to vote at traditional polling places. The station offers a secure and accessible voting environment for marginalized communities, including immigrants, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. It aims to increase voter turnout and promote democratic participation.

Through these innovative projects, Aram Han Sifuentes challenges societal norms, promotes inclusivity, and encourages community engagement. His work serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of art in addressing social and political issues.

Aram Han Sifuentes, a Chicago-based artist born in 1986, is renowned for his captivating community-based projects that address issues of disenfranchisement. This comprehensive monograph delves into four remarkable initiatives: A Mend, U.S. Citizenship Test Sampler, Protest Banner Lending Library, and Official Unofficial Voting Station.

A Mend is a collaborative embroidery project that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to mend and transform worn-out garments into beautiful works of art. The project aims to promote unity, healing, and empowerment among participants while raising awareness about the importance of clothing as a form of self-expression.

The U.S. Citizenship Test Sampler is a satirical collection of test questions designed to challenge the rigorous citizenship exam process. By humorously subverting the format and content of the test, the project aims to highlight the absurdity and discriminatory nature of the system. It encourages immigrants to question the legitimacy of the test and to advocate for more inclusive and fair immigration policies.

The Protest Banner Lending Library is a mobile library that provides a platform for community members to create and display protest banners. The banners address a wide range of social and political issues, from climate change to racial justice to gender equality. The library encourages community participation and activism by providing access to materials and resources for banner-making.

The Official Unofficial Voting Station is a pop-up voting station that provides an alternative voting option for individuals who are unable to vote at traditional polling places. The station offers a secure and accessible voting environment for marginalized communities, including immigrants, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. It aims to increase voter turnout and promote democratic participation.

Through these innovative projects, Aram Han Sifuentes challenges societal norms, promotes inclusivity, and encourages community engagement. His work serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of art in addressing social and political issues.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 222 x 211 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780945558446