Felix Arcienega Miranda is an example. I got a special work of art, entitled ‘H4-a space for art’, designed and constructed by Felix, artist from Sucre, Bolivia. A 500 paged book, containing Miro-like sketches, stories, posters, poetry, letters and critical articles, covering the 1980-2009 period. Each copy hand assembled and hand bound by the artist himself. A rich reflexion on art on many of its aspects. HACHEH is at the same time a kind of art café in Sucre. Felix is clearly a rebel, creating spaces for art and debate, and in that way striving for change. Some call his work ‘contra-cultural’ in the sense that he challenges the ‘established culture’. He never stops questioning his fellow citizens, especially the more conservative ones in the ‘Comite Interinstitucional’ of his hometown Sucre. His language is rich, imaginative and clear. The established elite of Sucre in general appear not to appreciate his critical role, as at times there is a reaction of aggression and violence. For example, Felix expanded his work to a set of show-cases on Sucre’s main square. The public exposure of some of his work, that explicitly criticised some of the more notable public figures of the Sucre elite, led to the destruction of these show-cases and the art they contained on 14th of August 2007.
Art can help making the reality more/better visible, to show that other ‘realities’ do exist, are possible, than those imposed by the powerfull. Led there be more Felixes….